The Beauty of Alone Time
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month
Have you ever noticed that you're more on edge when you're tired or need 5 minutes alone? That you get set off by things that wouldn't usually cause an emotional reaction. One of the earliest indicators that you're in need of 'alone' time is when your day-to-day life no longer seems enjoyable, or the things you once looked forward to doing have become a chore.
Most humans are typically social creatures; some love people and yet crave being alone. Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, or both, spending small moments of time alone, even 15 minutes by yourself, can help you reset. Now, there is a difference between alone time and loneliness. Loneliness is an emotional state, wanting a physical connection, whereas alone time is a physical state of not being around other people, a self-isolation.
To some people, 'me' time might come across as a selfish act, but it is no different from improving your cardiovascular health by losing weight or exercising. Alone time is a need to protect your mental health, so the same rules apply. If you're feeling guilty for craving time alone, STOP! YOU deserve it.
Permit yourself to take care of YOU. It's okay to take a pause, to set boundaries, to have 'me' time, to go to sleep, and revisit a conversation in the morning. It does not mean you're falling behind; it does not mean you're selfish or lazy. It means you recognize your mental and physical limits. By dedicating time to spend by yourself, you will become more comfortable in your skin and energized for life. Even the greatest of athletes need rest days so their muscles can rebuild and alone time to train their mind without distraction. The amount of alone time differs for every person, but time alone is essential.
Your daily alone time is when you get to feed yourself with mental, emotional, and spiritual food that gives you strength and confidence to show up in the world. It’s important to take care of yourself and get the most from life. Exercise is one of the best ways to help keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.
- Make time: You have to DO IT.
- Get help: Ask for help and find time for being alone.
- Just move: Moving your body helps your mind to produce endorphins - get happy!
Being there for others does not mean you leave yourself behind. It's important to remember that if a friend, family, partner, etc., reacts negatively, reassuring them that taking solo time doesn't mean you want emotional distance; it simply means "I need to take care of myself so that I can enjoy our time." If you struggle to protect your time, steal 15 minutes from your schedule, make yourself a priority by setting a non-negotiable meeting and learn to set boundaries - respect the time you need. Setting boundaries is one of the most important things we can do to care for and respect ourselves. However, setting them may bring about change in our relationship dynamic.
As we hold our loved ones close, reach out to our friends and neighbors, there are, hopefully, always people in our lives who we can turn to when times get tough to encourage us and remind us who we are. We can't forget to check on our mental health as you can't pour from an empty cup; you can't give back when you feel exhausted or burnt out.
We hope you can take a moment this month to take time for yourself, for your mental health. Whether you're restarting a fitness routine, reading a book, learning to meditate, or talking to a professional health care provider - we applaud you! If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek out professional help for assistance and more resources.
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The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Please consult your health care professional before using any product.