Do you fill up every minute of your day with activities because you hate the thought of being alone? Does solo time fill you with loneliness, boredom, or negative thoughts? Does it make you feel anxious, lazy, or unloved? You’re not alone.
I admit I didn’t always love being alone, but I have learned to appreciate how important it is to have some “me time” on a regular basis. Here’s how to find fulfillment from spending time without others.
As you become more comfortable with solitude, you may find that you enjoy your own company more than you ever imagined. Click To TweetRecharge:
Like so many of us, you’re probably racing through your days trying to check off everything on your to-do list. You can run ragged, feel overly stressed, and get worn out. Taking personal time out to tune out distractions is a great way to recharge. I feel revitalized and invigorated after spending time on my own. There’s a sense of renewal that helps me feel better prepared to meet life’s challenges rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.
Reflect:
Sometimes, we’re so busy we don’t have time to think about what’s happening in our lives. I use alone time to reflect on my goals in different aspects of my life. Am I using my time in the best way possible to achieve what I want out of life in terms of my relationships, health, and career? By taking a breather, I can assess where I can make changes to ensure I’m fulfilling my purpose.
Regulate emotions:
When you’re alone without distractions, you may find that uncomfortable emotions bubble up to the surface. That’s okay. Instead of trying to suppress these emotions, acknowledge them and explore them without judgment. Learning to live with our emotions helps us self-regulate and become more resilient.
Let your mind wander:
Research shows that daydreaming boosts creativity. When you have private time, let your thoughts go, and you may find inspiration. You may come up with innovative ideas for projects, creative solutions to problems, or new ways of thinking about your life.
1. Find time.
To carve out alone time, you may need to set some boundaries with your loved ones. Initially, your spouse or children may not comprehend why you want—or deserve—to take time away from them. To help them understand, let them know that taking time for yourself will allow you to rest and recharge so you’ll have a better mindset and a greater desire to reconnect with them. Explain that it’s a win-win for everyone.
2. Find your solitude bliss.
For some people, alone time might mean meditating or journaling. For others, it could be a walk in nature, dancing by yourself in your room, or knitting. Find what works best for you but avoid bingeing on Netflix or scrolling endlessly on social media. These are generally not restorative activities.
3. Start slow.
At first, being by yourself might feel unsettling. That’s common. Don’t feel pressured to spend an entire day on your own. Setting aside just 10 or 15 minutes once a week for quiet contemplation or to engage in a solo hobby you enjoy can have benefits. Increase your me time when you feel ready or when you feel overstimulated or overstressed.
As you become more comfortable with solitude, you may find that you enjoy your own company more than you ever imagined. You just might become your own BFF.
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If you’re struggling and need professional help, Amen Clinics is here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
