Photo Credit: Pierre Guinoiseau
It is easy to fantasise about alone time when we are rushing through life at a million miles an hour. Many of us are glad to finally sit down at the end of the day with a cuppa, good book and a bit of silence.
However, life changing events can very well mean that we are suddenly left with more alone time than we are accustomed to.
While alone time can be beneficial to our wellbeing, it may also produce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and leave us more vulnerable to conditions like depression and anxiety.
How can you avoid these feelings and make the most of the time you spend with yourself – whether that be a little or a lot? Read on!
The benefits of alone time
Alone time has been acknowledged by many health care professionals as extremely beneficial to an individual’s well-being – here’s why.
Switch off
When we are around others, most of us are usually performing – to a certain extent, anyway! This is natural – we have personas for work, for our friends and even for our family. It’s just how we navigate through the world.
While each of these personas is an expression of ourselves, it can also become exhausting constantly being switched on.
Alone time allows you to switch off – to take off the mask of the parent or the co-worker – and just be.
Process deep thoughts
When a major event occurs, it is often difficult to really process thoughts and emotions until you are alone. You may be conscious of your reaction by comparison to others, or may even feel that you need to keep it together for the sake of the ones you love.
Moments alone are important to allow you to acknowledge the way that you are really feeling without the influence of others’ emotional reactions.
Problem solving
In the same vein, problem solving can also be a challenge when you are constantly surrounded by people. Inevitably there is a sense of pressure that comes with trying to work out a situation in the presence of others. Having multiple perspectives thrown at you at once can also be overwhelming and impair your problem solving abilities.
Alone time can give you the space you need to work through the information without interference, and to see an issue with renewed clarity.
Appreciate loved ones more
Every parent is guilty of wishing their child had an “off” switch once in a while, and we all know that we need a break from significant others from time to time. Alone time can help you to further appreciate the moments that you spend with those you love.
It’s cliche for a reason – absence makes the heart grow fonder!
How to enjoy alone time
While the benefits of alone time are clear, making the most of solitude can be easier said than done.
Disconnect
To really take advantage of your time alone, make sure you dedicate moments entirely to yourself. This means switch off your internet and putting your phone to voicemail.
Even checking Facebook can interrupt your solitude and make you feel like you haven’t had a break from the world at all.
Do what you would do if you were with someone else
Many of us feel unsure about doing activities in public alone, but it can actually be quite rewarding and fulfilling.
Don’t assume that because you aren’t with a friend you can’t sip a coffee or see a movie – in fact, the removal of pressure to maintain small talk can even make you enjoy these experiences more!
Relax
Opportunities to unwind are few and far between in today’s world – make the most of your alone time to relax!
Run a bath, read a book, binge-watch a TV show you have been excited about for a while…whatever your number 1 relaxation technique is, move it to the top of the to-do list!
Get pro-active
If you’ve had enough of relaxation, use your alone time alone to get out there or to learn a new skill!
Step into the sunshine for a bit of exercise, learn an instrument, plan your next big adventure or simply try out a new recipe.
Being productive in your alone time will make you feel accomplished and remind you of your self-worth.
And, if all else fails, write an article about the benefits of alone time…
