Do you ever sit alone? Do you take time to spend with yourself, in your own thoughts? I know I rarely did. Until the last several years, I never took the time to just sit with myself. When I did start to spend that time, I learned more about myself than I ever knew was possible. You see, our lives are so busy with “stuff” that there is little room for the “me” stuff to fit in. It gets pushed farther and farther back. It comes behind spouses, kids, family, work and everything else we shove into our lives.
What we need to understand is how important it is to spend time with ourselves. It is key to our mental health to take the time to see how we are feeling, what we are thinking, and what we are going to do to put our mental and physical health first.
I know that many women have told me that spending time with themselves is hard. They find it hard to relax enough to truly take in what’s in their minds. They struggle to manage the raw emotion that they encounter. And then, they aren’t sure what to do with all those feelings. I know it’s hard, but once you start, you will find peace. You will find a place that you can process your life, and your outlook on it!
So, what are the benefits, and where do we start?
Benefits of Spending Time Alone
- Increased Self-Awareness:
- Solitude provides an opportunity to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- It allows you to connect with your inner self and gain a deeper understanding of who you are.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety:
- Spending time alone can help reduce stress and anxiety by allowing you to de-stress and recharge.
- Engaging in activities like meditation or reading can further promote relaxation.
- Enhanced Creativity:
- Solitude can spark creativity and innovation.
- When you’re alone, your mind is free to wander and explore new ideas.
- Improved Focus and Productivity:
- Taking breaks to spend time alone can improve your focus and productivity.
- It helps you recharge and come back to your tasks with renewed energy.
- Stronger Relationships:
- Spending time alone can help you appreciate your relationships with others more.
- It allows you to return to your relationships with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of gratitude.
Now that we know the benefits….where do we start? Below are some ways to start to spend that all important alone time.
Tips for Enjoying Solitude
- Create a Quiet Space: I used to have a specific space in my home that was just for me. Now that we travel full-time, I spend more time outside, or put in my headphones, and listen to some meditative music. Designate a specific area in your home that works for you.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation or deep breathing. This allows you to fully relax, and then focus on what comes to mind.
- Engage in Hobbies: Pursue hobbies that you enjoy, such as reading, writing, painting, or gardening. Doing these activities alone allows you to assess your emotions in different ways.
- Spend Time in Nature: I find time in nature is the most peaceful, which, in turn, is the most productive for me. Connect with nature by taking walks in the park or spending time outdoors.
- Limit Distractions: This is probably the most important one! How can you benefit from this time if you still have your phone on, or you’re watching TV? Turn off your phone and other electronic devices to fully immerse yourself in solitude.
- Journaling: Start a journal. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just a place to write down those thoughts and feelings that come up.
In the beginning, you will find that your mind goes straight to your everyday stuff. Keep going! You will get to the point when you find yourself in these thoughts. As I said, meditative music is helpful to keep the everyday stuff at bay, and instead bring about the key pieces you’re looking to address. By incorporating solitude into your daily routine, you can reap the many benefits of spending time alone.
Are you working on your physical and mental well-being? Don’t know where to start? Check out our Health page!
