Spending time alone can inspire and make you more creative in all other aspects of your life. It’s necessary to recharge, even if you’re an extrovert who thrives when surrounded by people. Alone doesn’t have to be boring. Put on a pair of headphones and listen to a good book or to some music while you do some of these activities if you’d like.
Go to the movies.
Yes, by yourself. If you want to see something and can’t find someone who’s into the same thing, you should take yourself out! Treat yourself as if you’re actually taking yourself out on a date. Cozy up in your seat with popcorn, a soda, and enjoy the time off.
Visit a farmer’s market.
Going by yourself ensures you get plenty of time to browse as many stalls as you’d like, and make conversation with vendors! Enjoy all the offerings and get yourself a nice bouquet while you’re at it.
Get creative.
Browse Pinterest for DIY craft ideas, and get to it! Plan it all out. Take your time creating something for yourself or your home.
Get a cultural infusion.
Visit a museum or a historic site near you! You can grab an audio guide if they offer one and really take in the sights, learning as much as you’d like. Going alone also means you can go as fast or as slow as you’d like.
Browse your library.
When was the last time you went to the library? Yes, they still exist. Go to your local library and browse the shelves for your next read. Sit down and enjoy the book at one of the tables.
Visit a day spa.
This is your time to completely zen out and be yourself. Sit in the sauna or the steam room. Enjoy a cup of tea with a magazine. The important part is taking YOU time so you come out feeling calm and refreshed.
Catch up on shows.
You don’t need to do something super creative in order to take time for yourself. Sometimes your brain needs time off, which means a Netflix queue can be the perfect recipe for relaxation. Turn off your phone, snuggle under a blanket, and watch a few episodes of your favorite show or a movie.
You might also like: How to Take a Digital Detox
The Benefits of Spending Time Alone
- According to a study following teenagers who choose solitude throughout their daily life, alone time contributed to overall feelings of self-acceptance, personal development, and growth.
- A University of Buffalo study found that motivated social withdrawal actually increases creativity in individuals. Not all social withdrawal is negative, and taking time for yourself results in more imaginative thinking.
- For new college students, spending time alone in the first year cultivates a stronger self of self and allows easier integration into other social groups eventually. The study researcher notes, “Approaching solitude for its enjoyment and intrinsic values is linked to psychological health, especially for those who don’t feel as if they belong to their social groups.”
- Being outside in nature, alone, makes people feel more alive!
Pin it for later.
References:
1. Virginia Thomas, Margarita Azmitia. Motivation matters: Development and validation of the Motivation for Solitude Scale – Short Form (MSS-SF). Journal of Adolescence, 2019; 70: 33 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140197118301957
2. Julie C. Bowker, Miriam T. Stotsky, Rebecca G. Etkin. How BIS/BAS and psycho-behavioral variables distinguish between social withdrawal subtypes during emerging adulthood. Personality and Individual Differences, 2017; 119: 283 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886917304920
3. Thuy-vy T. Nguyen, Kaitlyn M. Werner, Bart Soenens. Embracing me-time: Motivation for solitude during transition to college. Motivation and Emotion, 2019; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-019-09759-9
4. Richard M. Ryan, Netta Weinstein, Jessey Bernstein, Kirk Warren Brown, Louis Mistretta, Marylène Gagné. Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2010; 30 (2): 159 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494409000838
