When my kids were growing up, there were few moments of alone time. Even when they were in high school, I was always running to their sports games or concerts. We hung out with friends more often because we were all on the same schedule with our kids. When I spent time alone, I tended to walk around the house, feeling guilty or confused about what I should be doing. I didn’t know how to be OK with myself.

It has been a few years since our kids have not been living here full time, so I have had more time to get used to being alone.  And I have to say; I love spending time alone.  In fact, as I am writing this post, I am in the middle of a 3-day solo trip to our cabin. I even left my dog at home! I don’t have to be responsible for anyone but me.

Here’s What I Have Been Doing With My Time Alone

• Took a hour-long kayak ride
• Read my book outside in the sun
• Went to the grocery store and bought my favorite foods.
• Did a little weed pulling.
• Took a walk and talked to a deer (see picture below) hanging out near our yard.
• Wrote a lot for my blog and in my journal.
• Talked to my kids on the phone
• For the most part, I stayed off of social media
• Had popcorn for supper
• Woke up at 4:30 am, so I got up, did a bunch of work, and then took a nap at 9:30 am.
• And I still have a day left!

I know not everyone has the time to take three days away from their work and family. But even if you can take 30 minutes a day or a couple of hours on the weekend, you will learn to love it too.

Because I am an introvert, it is easy for me to take the time to spend alone.  If you are an extrovert, you may be thinking you are too busy to take time off, or you could never be alone for that long. But the truth is that the busier you are, the more benefit you will get from alone time.

“We need solitude because when we’re alone, we’re free from obligations, we don’t need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.” Tamim Ansary

Being busy has become the expectation. If you can’t tell people how busy you are, you feel like you are not worthy or wrong. Culture tells you that you should always be networking, joining groups, or working 50 hours a week.

You rarely give your brain a break trying to keep up with everything you are expected to do. You might say, “Think about everything I could accomplish in those 30 minutes or 2 hours of alone time. It’s a waste of time!”

Our brains need a little break from that constant stimulation.

Consider These Benefits

• When you take a day off, you emerge ready to engage with others with more passion.
• Being alone without distractions allows your brain to get clear and relax. There is no pressure on you to perform.
• You can be your truest self.  It is a chance to find who you really are without having to please anyone else.
• Spending time alone improves your concentration and boosts problem solving. It provides an opportunity to think about your goals, progress, and the changes you want to make in your life.
• Being alone sparks creativity. Being alone with your thoughts gives your brain a chance to wander, helping you become more creative. You might come up with your next big project or finally figure out how to solve an issue at work.
• Help you feel more rested. You can clear your thoughts and emotions so that they are not racing around in your head when you are trying to fall asleep. More rest also increases your energy levels.
• You can learn how to be happy doing things without wondering how to capture it for social media.
• It increases your mental strength by being calm, centered, and focused.

At first, spending time alone may feel uncomfortable.  Start with 10 minutes a day and work your way up.  Soon you might be taking 3 days as I did! But, you don’t have to actually leave town to be alone.

“Blessed are those who do not fear solitude, who are not afraid of their own company, who are not always desperately looking for something to do, something to amuse themselves with, something to judge.” Paulo Coelho

Other Ways to Be Alone

• Go to a movie
• Take a walk in nature and find a spot along the way to sit and journal
• Book a hotel room for the night
• Turn off all technology for a couple of hours
• Go to the mall or your favorite store and wander aimlessly
• Visit the local library or coffee shop and read, write or sit there
• Go for a run and let your mind wander

“The best lessons of life are learned in silence and solitude.” Abhijit Naskar

Other Ways  to Spend Time Alone

• Meditate/Pray
• Tackle your to-do list.
• Journal about your thoughts and feelings
• Take a bubble bath
• Unleash your creativity! Paint, sing, write, knit, etc.
• Clean up your computer files! (See How to Live Simply and Create Room for What is Important)
• Drink your favorite wine
• Take yourself on a date
• Explore your neighborhood
• Take a walk with no destination in mind
• Blast the music and dance!
• Read a book while enjoying the sun

When I got home from my 3-day solo visit to the cabin, I could appreciate time with my husband and my dog. I could share stories of my adventure and get caught up on what they did. Getting work done while I was gone allows me more time to take care of the needs at home. I had a break from other distractions, so now I can get back to them with a fresh mind. I love it.

How can you spend time alone? What would you do with your time?

“Spend time alone and often, touch base with your soul.” Nikki Rowe

Sources:

Garrett, Gabrielle. “The Beauty of Disconnected Alone Time.” Tiny Buddha

Morin, Amy. “7 Science-Backed Reasons You Should Spend More Time Alone“. Forbes

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

My Month in Tucson, Arizona

How To Create Your Own Sacred Space at Home