Embrace Your Solitude
Alone time can be prime time.
Alone time may sound scary but, it is a chance to recharge. I am an introverted extrovert so, as much as I thrive in a social setting I embrace my alone time. During my time of solitude the world slows down and I do things I enjoy. Alone time gives you a chance to practice self-care. You have a chance to improve your mind and focus on your needs. To some, alone time can cause anxiety at first. Being by yourself with your thoughts can be intimidating but, it offers a space to combat your thoughts.
I look forward to my alone time, a time of peace. I also try and plan for alone time when my day is super busy. It is important to plan time for yourself, this time offers a chance to learn about how you operate. Recharging after a huge social event is my bread and butter. I go to my room, close my door put on a good playlist on Spotify, and start my “me” time.
I plan out my alone time because I often get overwhelmed in intense social settings. Those settings may include if I’m on a trip with a bunch of people for a week, I go upstate with my boyfriend to visit his family, I go out for the night, a busy teaching day, my family gatherings, etc. Those events can be exhausting because you have to put your best social self out there and have fun. Don’t get me wrong I love all of those gatherings but, you always have to be “on”. With my chronic daily anxiety, sometimes I shift into a funk and can’t climb my way out of my mind. Those moments require my alone time.
Now, some people may feel lost on how to advocate others they need alone time. So, here are some options on what to say
“Hey, I’m plugging in for some quiet time.” (Brooke Miccio)
“ I had a long day, I’m going to go clean my room and relax.”
“I’m going to go read my book for a bit.”
“ This day was so fun! I’m going to go listen to a podcast to chill out.”
“ I need some quiet time to recharge.”
“ I’m going for a walk around the block.”
The list goes on but, just be honest and say you need some time alone and usually people understand and respect your space. If they have an issue with that, you need to set a boundary around your alone time. Your alone time can be as long as you need, mine usually range from 1–2 hours.
Here’s what I do during my solitude hours.
I clean my room. There is something so therapeutic about cleaning and my room feels at peace. If you want to feel at peace, your environment should reflect it. If your room is clean, try to organize it more effectively. Blast some music while doing it, “Wild Country” on Spotify is my go-to.
Plug-in and listen to a podcast as you’re cleaning your room or going for a walk. I listen to podcasts while I ride my bike around my neighborhood and it boosts my mood and clears my mind. I also listen to podcasts in my car and on the train during my commute to work. I listen to “Earn Your Happy” by Lori Harder and “Gals on the Go” by Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan. Lori Harder’s podcast is all about seeing the positives in everyday life and working every day to be grateful and living on a high frequency. “Gals on the Go” podcast is about 2 girls in their 20’s going through life and giving their tips on beauty and lifestyle routines.
I read the book that I’m involved with for that day. I try and read 20–30 pages each time I have alone time with that book. Right now I’m reading “The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabrielle Bernstein. I highly recommend this book. It discusses our powers to connect with the universe around us. The power of the universe is always at our disposal for guidance and peace we just have to ask for it. We must let go of our controlling thoughts and fight off our fear stories we tell ourselves. If you’re looking for personal growth in your alone time you should read this book.
I drink my coffee and write. My current coffee order from Starbucks is (A venti ice coffee with 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla, 1 pump of caramel, half & half and caramel drizzle on top and it’s only 70 calories!) You’ll thank me later! I write in my journal throughout the week and I try to write on Medium every day. I take about 20 minutes to write in my journal. I usually reflect on the week I have been having and my plans. I write about how I felt throughout the week, what I can improve on, what made me happy, what should I talk to my therapist about, etc…My plans include planning for the school year, what Medium stories will I post, and my lifestyle changes for my health. On Medium, I write about my life and hope my stories can help other’s who are going through the same things.
I watch a show I have been binging for that week. Right now I’m watching the Netflix documentary “Down to Earth” with Zac Efron. It’s a great documentary showing healthy living habits and clean energy options for our industrial world.
I workout for my alone time. I exercise for about 40 minutes to an hour. My body feels energized and complete after I workout. I first ride my bike around my neighborhood and listen to a podcast for a half hour. Then I do a 20–30-minute workout on the “FitOn” app which has fantastic quick workouts with supportive trainers for FREE!
My solitude time varies each day for what I have time for. During those times, I learned a great deal about myself and what I want from this life. I practice my gratitude and focus on being in the present. I recharge my social battery and become excited about the next outing. I practice my creativity in my writing and connect with my pieces. I create a roadmap for the trips ahead in my life. I make crucial decisions on my next steps in work, relationships, and mindfulness. I embrace the stage I am at in my life and I research new routines to amplify my lifestyle. In this life, you spend the most time with yourself. You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others. You can’t make an impact on an empty tank. Make that time special and create a mindset where you are an amazing person. You deserve it.
“Spending time alone in your own company reinforces your self-worth and is often the number-one way to replenish your resilience reserves.”
― Sam Owen, Resilient Me: How to Worry Less and Achieve More
Originally Posted on Medium.com in "Change Your Mind, Change Your Life"
About the Creator
The Mindful Educator
The introverted extrovert educator sharing her stories of going through life. Let’s survive and thrive together!
IG:@TheGrowthMindsetGal & Twitter: @MindsetGal
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