The Joy Of Spending Time Alone
When was the last time you spent time on your own? As humans, we are great at filling our days with things to do and places to be, at the expense of savoring a little solitude. And we are missing out.
We asked our team for their favorite ways to spend time alone and here’s what they had to say: Space to contemplate, rest and sort through our thoughts is essential in our quest to be our best selves. Armed with a list of ways to embrace taking time out and a little bit of planning, you’ll soon be reaping the benefits.
Take a short break
Does the idea of a weekend on your own sound like a dream? Why not head to the coast, or hop on the next train to a city you’ve never visited before? Solo traveling is a unique way to enjoy your own space.
Quiet reflection
If you are not ready to leap into a weekend away, start small — with a few minutes of silence a day. Pick a time, turn off other distractions and aim to spend five minutes just enjoying the peace and quiet. Just a short stint of focused alone time can leave you feeling refreshed.
Discover the best coffee shops
Spending time alone in a coffee shop means you get the buzz of being surrounded by other people without having to interact with anyone. Cities are bursting at the seams with great cafes, so write a list of a couple you’d like to visit and start working your way through them.
Do an activity in your local park
Found yourself with a few hours to spare? Pack up a book, magazine or download series on your phone and head to your local park. Or go for a long, refreshing bike ride. Spending time outdoors could be one of the best things in life.
Visit a museum
Museums are the perfect place for quiet wandering and silent reflection. Many of them do talks or guided tours, which you can join for free. So, you’ll learn something new too.
Hit the movies
Ever thought about taking yourself on a date to the movies? If you’re easing into spending more time alone, this is a great way to do it. You’ll get engrossed in the film, and you don’t have to share your popcorn with anyone.
Learn something new
Mastering a new skill is a great way to embrace some space. You could try taking a calligraphy or pottery class, or if you want to be outdoors, hiking with an interesting podcast. You can even try meditating.
Have a wellness day at home
Believe it or not, solitude can be an essential act of self-care. A great way to indulge that is to treat yourself to a day at home, doing things that will make you feel rested or productive. It can involve yoga, a hot bath, new book and a long, lingering cup of tea, or decluttering your surfaces to create physical and mental breathing space. It’s up to you.
Wander through a farmers’ market
Just like the buzz of the coffee shop, a farmers’ market is a wonderful place to get lost in a crowd for an hour or two. Take your pick from flower, food and antique markets; there are so many delightful options awaiting you. (Check out some of our recipes.)
If you like, here are breathing exercises, mindful meditation techniques, and relaxation techniques to try. Our 4 favorite mindfulness apps are here. Or simply scroll down for more articles.
