Women are multitaskers and caretakers who are often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. It’s easy to become so immersed in caring for others that we completely forget to take care of ourselves. This is why, when we are gifted a night or even a whole weekend to ourselves, we have no idea what to do. Many women end up wandering around their house aimlessly. Additionally, some women feel guilty if they are not being productive. However, taking time for yourself is crucial to your overall well-being. In this post, we’re going to explore the benefits of alone time and how to incorporate it into your life.
Benefits of Alone Time
Taking time for yourself can be incredibly beneficial to your mental and physical health. Alone time allows you to recharge your batteries and reconnect with yourself. It’s a time to reflect and gain perspective on your life, leading to increased self-awareness. Time spent alone also promotes a sense of independence and confidence, as you learn to rely on yourself for entertainment and fulfillment.
Recharge
Alone time allows you to decompress and recharge so that you can tackle the rest of the day or week with renewed energy. This time to yourself enables you to take a step back, assess what is important in your life, and re-evaluate your goals and priorities.
Gain Insight
Additionally, alone time gives you the space to understand and recognize your emotions. You have the opportunity to reflect on your thoughts and feelings without external influences, which can support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. This valuable understanding of your emotions can support you in building healthy relationships with people around you.
Overcoming Guilt
It’s common for women to feel guilty about taking time for themselves. But it’s essential to remember that alone time is not selfish, it’s necessary. Remind yourself that taking care of yourself enables you to better care for others. You deserve the time and space to recharge and reconnect with yourself, and it’s okay to prioritize that.
Selfishness is putting your wants before your family’s needs. Self care is putting your needs before their wants.
-Sharon P. Fisher, PMHNP-BC
What to Do With Your Alone Time
That is the big question! Now that you are embracing your new found (but short lived) freedom. Try this fail proof method:
- Gather pen, paper, and a timer (can use your phone)
- Set the time for 5 minutes
- Write out, without deliberating, all the things you would like to do.
- When the time goes off, stop
- Go through your list and look for the things that are actually doable in your time frame
- Rank them based on what is most appealing to you. It is important to do it that way, not by what is most sensible. For example: You may have listed cleaning out your closet and reading a novel. You may feel the closet is more important but reading is more appealing. Reading, therefore, goes higher on the list.
- Follow your list!
Specific Ideas For Alone Time
You may still feel overwhelmed with the idea of a day to yourself. If you don’t know where to start, here are some ideas other women have enjoyed:
- Hiking
- Reading
- Sitting in a cafe
- Going to the movies
- Going to a restaurant your family does not like
- Sitting outside
- Napping
- Journaling
- Painting/drawing
- Adult coloring book
- Meditate/prayer
In conclusion, giving yourself some alone time can offer you an array of mental, physical, and emotional benefits. With greater emotional intelligence, creativity, and self-awareness, you can become better equipped to handle challenges, and attain greater life balance. With the suggestions outlined above and some experimentation, you can enrich your well-being and enjoy the many advantages of solitude. So, the next time your partner says they will take the kids for the day, you can relax and truly enjoy your alone time!
Feeling a bit aimless? Looking for purpose? Our therapists can help you navigate your life. Call or email now.
About the author: Sharon P. Fisher, MS, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C is the founder of Nurtured Well, LLC she loves helping women thrive but does admit she struggles with her own free time.