Find time for yourself, one of the best things you can do!
2020 was a challenging time with this very unique situation, being inside with our household for months on end without really time for ourselves. From having video calls with friends, we could not see, social media notifications and work, it can be hard to relax and switch off even when it is not a lockdown situation. Taking some time out from everything and focusing on ourselves could do us a world of good. Seeking solitude is healthy and not always associated with being lonely, as they are two different things. Someone could be spending a lot of time by themselves but be in a very good place but someone else could feel lonely in a room of crowded people.Â
There are many physical and psychological benefits of spending time alone:
- Solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind. Constantly being ‘on’ doesn’t give your brain time to rest and replenish. Being 100% yourself with no distractions gives us the chance to clear the mind, focus and think more clearly.
- It can also help our concentration and increase productivity. Removing lots of distractions and interruptions can help you be able to concentrate and help get more work done.
- It also helps you discover yourself and find your voice. In a group you are more likely to go along with things but time by yourself, you can find out what you’re really like and think.
- Solitude provides time for you to think deeply. Daily responsibilities prevents us from engaging in deep thought, that can inhibit our creativity and lessen our productivity.
- Â We can work through problems more effectively. Thinking of solutions for problems without giving them the time to understand everything can make our responses to them not as effective.
- Â Solitude can enhance the quality of our relationships with others. Spending time with ourselves can help us gain a better understanding of who we are and what we desire in life. It can also help us make better choices about who we want to be around and appreciate our relationships more.
However, knowing the benefits and knowing how we can find time to be alone in a world that never sleeps can be hard. Here are a few ideas to help you find more time.
- Set aside time to unplug and switch off all your connects with others. Turn off your phone, internet and TV.
- Get up or Get in Early. Waking up before everyone else or come home earlier than people you live with, and use the time to do what makes you happy.
- Close your door. It’s simple but can be very effective. Letting people know you need time to work or relax, will help set boundaries and give you the space needed to be productive.
- Use your Lunchtime. Spending time working with having lunch or running errands is not good for us. If you go out for lunch it doesn’t have to always be with others. Once a week or month have lunch on your own. Enjoy sitting in the sun or going for a walk in the local park.
- Schedule time for yourself, literally! Mark in your planner days or parts of the day as time just for you. You could also try fit it little extras into your day like walking to work instead of taking public transport, stopping at a coffee shop or just spending extra time doing things. It doesn’t have to be long, anytime spent alone will reboot, meditate, focus and relax you is better than no time at all.Â
Make 2021 a year to spend more time with yourself and see how it can improve your out look and work life. The benefits of spending that time alone will out way any of the effort it might take to make the time to do it.
