Eye-opening reasons and ways to enjoy being alone - Advice from an Introvert
For a very long time, I use to think that wanting to “be alone” meant that I was anti-social, avoidant and distant. Often, I would feel ashamed or hate the side of myself that felt best when I was alone.
As a result, I would push my boundaries and throw myself into social interactions and situations which often left me feeling emotional exhausted, sad, and burnt out.
The fact is, there was nothing wrong with me. It’s just that my social battery runs down quicker than others.
It took me awhile before I realized that even though I do love spending time with my friends and family – it was important for me to listen to my mind and my body. Often, what I needed most was a moment to myself. To reconnect with my personal wants and needs. I found that I best thrived and was at my happiest after I had spent time by myself.
I am an introvert.
Comment below if you can relate to needing time to recharge.
This realization resulted with me coming to terms that I am an introvert that loves alone time. Other individuals might feel re-charged when stimulated by closeness and connection – being around other people. Both are completely normal and okay!
Furthermore, I wanted to share with you how beneficial learning to be alone sometimes can be and many things you can do when faced with your own company.
After 24 years on this planet, I’ve learned most of what I know in life from being by myself.
Some benefits to alone time :
1. Catching up
One of the best things about alone-time is catching up with yourself and your life. Often we feel as though “everything hits at once”.
Assignments are due, our work is calling, we have to clean, emergencies happen, fun things are planned AND we still need to spend time with family and friends.
Press pause.
Step away from the things you can reschedule and spend time regaining a handle on life. Prioritize and organize. This will only benefit your mind well-being.
2. Re-discovery
For some reason, I learn something new about myself every time I have alone time. Being by yourself and making a point to reconnect with your mind and soul can be so rewarding.
3. Mind-dump
I find that often, when so many different things are happening at once – I get overwhelmed and my mind grows heavy.
Make it a point to check in with your mental health. You always need to set time aside to see how you’re doing. Something bothering you? Do you need to process and think something through? This is the perfect time.
4. Knock down those creativity walls
This is the perfect time to spark your inspiration again. Clear your mind and do activities that get your creativity flowing again.
5. Dive into Self-Care
One of the best things in the world is taking some sweet time and giving yourself some self-love. There is a very very strong reason why spas are so popular. It’s about making yourself feel refreshed and renewed. Put aside some time to show yourself some self-care and I am positive your mental and physical health will reward you.
6. Strengthen your Independence
Learning how to be by yourself is such a skill to have.
The dependancy on others will disappear and you will see just how powerful that is. You become braver, courageous, more confident. Your self-awareness heightens and you learn just how strong you are.
It’s not that you don’t want anyone else – it’s that you don’t need anybody else. Let me tell you, this is a very important attribute to have.
As you can see, there are many benefits as to why “alone-time” is not only for introverts but should be for everyone! Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely days when I need some awesome human connection.
As a result, It’s all about balance. Learning to enjoy your own company and be comfortable with giving yourself what you need and still being able to socialize whenever you see fit.
Being alone does not mean you are alone – it just means you’re enjoying your own company right now.
So, let me take you through some of my favourite “alone-time” activities you can do. Most of these help your mindfulness, your self-care, and your positive mindset.
Furthermore, It’s so much fun tending to what your mind, body, and soul needs. After all, No one can do that for you except for yourself!
List of fun activities you can do when you're alone :
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Watch a movie
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Write out your gratitude list
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Start a garden
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Create a amazon wishlist
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Take yourself out shopping
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Paint your nails
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Wash your hair
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Research the best products for your skin
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Write out your 5 year plan
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Create a vision board
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Start a pinterest
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Clean your room
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Organize any important paperwork
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Decide on healthy snacks you want to eat throughout your week
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Update your music playlist
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Find a youtube influencer that motivates you to live your best life
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Start reading a new book
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Motivate yourself by organizing your calendar
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Create a morning routine
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Create a night time routine
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Write out a To-Do list of all the things you want done this month
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Unsubscribe to emails you don’t need
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Go bike riding
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Start that book you’ve been meaning to write
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Go for a walk
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Find an inspirational podcast
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Unfollow people on social media that do not feed your soul
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Practice some yoga
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Cook a new recipe
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Learn to bake something yummy for your family and friends
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Find some new music
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Paint/draw something for a loved one
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Play a video game
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Write down 10 life goals and break down how you want to get there
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Play an instrument
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Write a song
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Practice one of your skills
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Sign up for a masterclass and learn something new
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Decide on decor ideas for your bedroom/home
As a final note, I want to share with you some life-changing advice.
It’s okay to be alone. It’s okay to take some time for yourself. Do not be ashamed of saying “no, not today”.
This will only make you stronger and more confident in telling yourself what you’re comfortable with.
What do you love to do when you’re alone? How does it make you feel?
It’s interesting how time and life events have changed my sociability from the person you describe as drawing energy from others and enjoying consistent interaction – to needing to be quiet in my thoughts, prayers and space. I agree and understand that we need to be honest with ourselves and those we care about. Thanks again for a insightful article xoxo
You will always be that light, that ball of energy that draws in love and compassion. Even if you might not feel it somedays – the light hovers around you – constantly. Quiet is a peaceful place. But just always remember, in that place – you are still never alone. Love is always right here. Right beside you – never too far away.
You are such a magnificent woman. Thank you for being such a superhero.
Thank YOU.
I’m an introvert and have, surprisingly, been struggling with alone time during quarantine. I suppose this is the longest I’ve gone without my girlfriends so it has been tough. But allllll of your suggestions are so so good. I also like to do a facemask with a glass of wine in hand (sometimes) while facetiming a friend 🙂
Nathalia | NathaliaFit – Fitness & Wellness Blog
http://www.nathaliafit.com
Totally understandable! There is definitely a difference between wanting to be alone and HAVING to be alone! It really puts a lot in perspective! This is definitely not an easy time so I am sending you so much love! You know you have a friend in me, so don’t ever be afraid to message!
ouuu, facemask + wine!?! sign me up!!!
This is such an awesome post Pam. Often, introverts feel the need to always be around people so they wouldn’t be considered boring or lonely by their extroverted friends who are constantly in the midst of crowds. The truth though is every personality is unique and preferring to stay some does not make anyone less of a person.
you are so so right, Mimi! We often feel low because we feel like we SHOULD want to be around others when it’s just not how our brain works! It recharges during peaceful, quiet moments of alone time! I love that you said “every personality is unique” because that’s also SO true. Not every extrovert is the same just like not every introvert is, either! It’s all about the person. Nonetheless, whoever you are – you are YOU and that is SO special!
Oooh! Lovely tips✨💞
And oh I can totally relate lol!
Thank you so much, Shristi!! I am so happy you can relate to my words xo!!
Great post! I am naturally an introvert but I do have to admit that quarantine maybe made me even more of an introvert if possible. I found it pretty easy. I sort of have to peel myself away from being in front of the computer and just force myself to go out and take a walk. There’s a fine balance between alone time and being a hermit I think lol
Honestly, I completely understand that! Isolation has definitely forced alone time on us even if we are naturally introverts. For some reason, it definitely feels different! I agree, there’s such a fine line so it’s important to still get out – see the world. I kind of had to force myself towards little things like the grocery store and getting gas and stuff. The mall was a big one!!
So I agree! It’s important to still be around people without crossing your inner boundaries!
Heyy Pam!
This post is necessary for many reasons. In particular, one is being aware of what works best for you and knowing when to retreat to recollect yourself.
Learning to embrace your alone time is a wealthy and healthy place to thrive. Retreat to a solitary place is needed.
Thank you for sharing this reminder, sis!
xoxo,
Widster
Hi Widster! Thank you so much, honestly!
I agree completely and I am so happy if I can remind anyone of this! Thank you SO much!
xoxo ,
Pam!
I travel solo alot and I think its made me really appreciate being alone!
ouu that would be such an eye-opening experience! I feel like travelling solo really shows you just how strong you are! love that!
I’m an introvert and I love spending time alone and enjoying my own company. It’s a powerful tool to self-discovery. I usually watch my favorite show, listen to music or go for a walk when I’m alone.
Those sound like amazing things to do when spending time by yourself, Syedah! I love all of those things and they seem so peaceful and serene! I totally understand you!
As an introvert, I can relate to needing to recharge after a long day at work or even spending time with friends. It’s a need to regroup and reenergize. I used to think there was something wrong with me but I now look at it as my self care time– bike riding, reading or watching a movie. Thank you for spreading the word that it’s okay to want to be alone 🙂
You are SO right, Ana! I love that way of thinking! That is THE perfect way of thinking about it. It’s truly self-care and self-care is a form of self-love! We could ALL use a little more self-love!!
Thank YOU so much for commenting!
I actually really enjoy being alone but sometimes I run out of things I can do. The list you provided really gave me some great ideas!
I am SO so glad that I could share some new ideas for you, Hannah! That makes me so happy!
I love these suggestions! I’m naturally very happy to be alone. Your list provides some really great ideas!
Great post!
Thank you so much, Tanya! That truly means a lot, and I’m happy I could provide you with some new ideas!!
Love this so much! I love my “me time” when I get to be alone. Wonderful ideas as well!
“Me time” is truly SO amazing! It reminds you how special you are! Thank you SO much, Amanda! Always so sweet!!
Great tips Pam! I’m an introvert and like alone time too. Things I like to do when alone: read, write, workout, hike, plan and reflect on my goals, and learn something new.
Those are such great activities! I also like that a lot of them have to do with personal development! Thank you so much for sharing!
I have no idea what I am anymore; I use to be an introvert but I also like being around people and I’m not as shy as I use to be! But I do prefer to stay home. By myself. My bff and I are the same. We always say we’ll hang out more and one of us cancels and we go back to just hanging out over the phone or FaceTime instead lol!
I do find that people who are uncomfortable with their own company and constantly need people around tend to raise some red flags. But that’s just my experience!
That’s very fair! You know what, I think we often forget that there’s a category right in between. It’s called Ambivert!! It sounds like that may be you! It’s so amazing that you are so self-aware that you know that you like a little bit of both! It’s all about boundaries and honouring your boundaries to yourself!
Love this post. I can be quite introverted at times – I’m the kind of person that loves being alone and I need my own space. I love how you’ve given detail on the benefits of being alone as well as such a long list of things you can do during this time
Thank you so so much, Kat!! It’s totally okay to love your own space! I really love that others are like this too!!