7 Ways to Get the Most out of Alone Time
How do you feel about spending time alone?
When we’re young, we tend to think of time away from others as something to avoid. We look at it negatively, as though we’re missing out. In truth, what we don’t always realize until we’re more mature is just how beneficial and even wonderful alone time can be. It’s not lonely or loneliness, it’s solitude and a way to dig deep into ourselves.
Not quite ready to believe it? Take a look at 7 ways to get the most out of your alone time and see if your mind doesn’t change.
Video
You can watch this in the video below or listen to the audio transcript further on down the page, or just keep reading, if you prefer.
Rephrase the Situation
The language we use dictates our response. If you’ve been saying how much you hate alone time or how lonely it makes you, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, use terms such as “a date with yourself” or something else equally positive to define this time. You can even create a a date with yourself in your diary or on your calendar – and don’t go breaking it, at least not unless it’s something really urgent and important – after all, you are important too and a date with yourself is an engagement you should not break except in extreme necessity. It’s also a great way to improve your relationships with others, especially if they are getting a little ragged round the edges.
Plan
Just taking time off isn’t enough to make you love alone time. In fact, you’re more likely to become bored or lonely if you just stop and shut out everything and crash on the couch or stay in bed. You need to plan time for yourself. Make it something to look forward to, so you can ready yourself mentally for the shift from being social to enjoying time with yourself.
Create a Goal
What do you intend to do during your time alone? Having something in mind to do will help keep you from burning out before you even begin. Will you read, do a craft, play sport, go to a match or the cinema, learn something new, do yoga, write in a journal?
Do Something Different
Want to make alone time something you really look forward to? Why not try something you normally don’t do? This would be the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen, have a candelit bath, to grab a book you wouldn’t normally read, or to take yourself on an outing somewhere you’ve never been. Whatever you choose, make it unique and something just for you.
Drop the Screen Time
You’re not alone if you’re connected to the rest of the world. This is the perfect time to drop the social media and quit checking texts and emails for a while. This is time for you, not for anyone else.
Get in the Moment
If you’re worried about the future or fretting about something which happened in the past, you’re not able to enjoy your time alone right now. Get in the moment. Start your alone time with meditation or through practising mindfulness to put yourself into the right headspace to enjoy this moment right now.
Make it Special
No matter what, remember, this is about time for you. Here’s where you want to pamper yourself a little bit. Treat yourself to the best. After all, you’re worth it!
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