When was the last time you were alone?
Not lonely, or isolated, or missing someone. But alone, happily, by choice?
If you’re still thinking, it’s been too long.
The reason it’s been so long is probably because, in today’s world, we are never truly alone. We always have a notification popping up on our screen, our work phone ringing at 10pm, or our Instagram feed waiting to be consumed. We crave connection with others and, as a result, never have time to connect with ourselves.
Another reason we dismiss alone time is because there’s such a negative stigma around ‘being alone’. Just so we’re clear, being alone is not the same thing as being lonely. There are some incredible benefits to having time alone, but we simply never hear about them.
Well, fasten your seatbelt because you’re going to hear about ‘em now.
Why You Should Spend Time With Yourself what better way to convince you to spend time with yourself than to show you the countless benefits, we guess the introverts are nodding along as the extroverts are screaming internal.
Don’t fret, don’t fret. We’re not taking away any of your social time, because that’s important too.
Keep reading to find out why spending time alone is good for you
Many people view alone time as the best thing ever. But you? You may view it as a fate worse than death. Instead of relaxing and enjoying spending time by yourself, you pass the hours pacing your apartment, or wondering what the heck to do with yourself.
It’s not an ideal reaction, but it is a totally normal one. I mean, think about it: If you’re used to being connected on a 24/7 basis, then of course the idea of going solo will feel a bit scary. Not to mention, it’s always a tad unnerving to see what the ol’ brain will cook up once it’s sans distractions.
In fact, that latter point is a big reason why so many people hate the idea of spending time all by their lonesome. “Some people struggle with being alone because they cannot be alone with their thoughts, “They feel that if they keep moving, and stay distracted with other things, they will not have to deal with this material.”
But…What Is There To Do When You’re Spending Time Alone?
Ok ok, you’re all on board. But how do you actually spend time with yourself? Is there more to it than just sitting in silence with no distractions? You bet! Here are a few other recommendations that might inspire you.
Ease Into Alone Time
If the thought of spending time alone makes your blood run cold, then start off slowly. “Don’t jump right into a weekend long Netflix marathon,” Martinez says. “Build up your tolerance and find activities that you enjoy that also serve to calm and distract while you are alone.” Before long, larger swaths of solitude won’t feel so scary. And hey — you might even find it enjoyable.
Be your own source of Validation
Yes, it feels pretty great to get constant texts, and to have constant plans. But take a second and ask yourself why you crave this 24/7 attention. Could it be you don’t know how to give yourself validation? If that’s the case, try spending time alone — without your phone, tablet, or laptop — and really tune into yourself, according to Gabrielle Garrett on TinyBuddha.com. You’ll soon realize you don’t really need anybody else but yourself.
Go to a concert.
If an artist you love is playing a venue near you, buy yourself a ticket even if no one else wants to tag along. Attending a show on your own allows you the freedom to plan your night the way you want. Don’t want to see the opener? Arrive late. Did he already sing all your favorite songs? Go home early. Should you sing along to the music at the top of your lungs? Absolutely, especially if you’re surrounded by strangers.
Visit a museum.
Strolling at your own pace through the different exhibits you’ve been dying to see on your own can be liberating. With no one around to rush you through, you can take your time to appreciate the artwork around you without hearing, “Mom, can we leave now?”
Gaze at the stars.
An open, star-studded sky works well to put things into perspective. Grab a blanket and head to a spot where you’ll have the best visibility. Instead of running through your to-do list for the next day or worrying about the fight you had with your significant other, try to unwind by focusing on the beauty above you instead.
Teach yourself a new instrument.
Have you always wanted to learn to play guitar? The violin? The flute? Here’s your chance. Check your local thrift store to see if you can buy an instrument secondhand, then head to YouTube for free, beginner-level lessons.
Get On Board With Those Hobbies
“Some people who find that they don’t like spending time alone are simply bored when they do so,” If that’s your problem, then snag new some hobbies, ASAP. Use the silence to read, or paint, or knit.
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