Are you the workaholic? You work 8+ hours a day for at least five days a week (or more). You may take work home with you, pick up extra hours/shifts, or never take a personal day.
Are you the socialite? You are going out every weekend with friends, and during the week having power socials. Every chance you get, you are surrounded by people, socially active on the treadmill of life. You may have a romantic partner that you spend tons of quality time with.
Someone can be happy living these types of lives, and if you are, I’m happy for you. But what if this is your life, and you’re not happy?
“Being alone” sounds like a scary concept to some, but trust me when I say having alone time can be what saves your soul. All of us have our own, unique identity, and letting everyone else borrow us can become tiring. Quality alone time should consist more than when you’re in the car, in the bathroom, and in your bed.
If you want to make some changes, here are 7 Ways to Make Time for Yourself:
1. The Power of “no”
Why do something that you don’t want to do? Whether it’s picking up an extra shift or going out with friends, you can say no. Some may not like when you pull that power word out from your belt of responses, but they need to respect it. You also don’t need an explanation behind why you’re saying no. If you like to clarify why you’re saying no, tell them the truth. Sometimes we are burned out from our day or week, sometimes we are not in the right state of mind, and sometimes we simply want to be alone.
2. Start with 5 minutes
Where do I begin to create time for myself? A great way to start the process is by starting with five minutes a day. Think about what you like to do and give yourself permission to do it for five, uninterrupted minutes of peace. I started with the basics: sit down, close my eyes, and breathe for five minutes. Weight melts off of your shoulders and you can fly without having to move from your chair. After breathing, I started to focus on activities I enjoy like writing and reading and activities that helped clear my mind like cleaning and working out. Before I knew it, five minutes would grow to ten minutes, then a half hour, and before I knew it, I was able to dedicate a whole hour to doing whatever I wanted, for me.
3. “Do Not Disturb” My Sanctuary
Do you remember a time when cell phones weren’t snug in our pockets or glued to our hands? I do, and with some of my best memories, a cell phone wasn’t present. Cell phones become distracting as they notify us about…everything imaginable! Also, our boredom craves internet activity which has become convenient on our phones. Give yourself a break and put your phone on “do not disturb” mode or turn it off. This is an activity you could start by trying to do for five minutes and eventually see how long you can go without using your phone.
4. If You Don’t Schedule, It Won’t Happen
“Hi, I have a 5 o’ clock appointment with quality alone time.” Wouldn’t that be amazing to say? Luckily, you can. Look at a typical day for yourself and jot down tasks that are mandatory and require your attention. Next, observe activities that you may do that you don’t love and you don’t need to do in order to have a successful day. For example, one of mine was a specific game on my phone that ate up a lot of my personal time. I realized it was another boredom blocker, and having too many of those in one day can prevent you from getting what you need to get done. Then, figure out when is the best time to score your alone time. For me, whenever I let Poe (my dog) out, I go outside with him and read. These small intervals help me get more reading done than I have in past weeks. Never forget: Your time is just as important as everyone else’s.
5. I Choose You, Hobbies!
Is there a project you’ve always wanted to finish? Have you stopped doing something you thoroughly enjoy? Give life to hobbies and interests you have. Our hobbies and interests are pieces of us, embedded into our core. This is a part of what makes us unique and shows everyone what makes us truly happy. Hobbies and interests are easily pushed to the side because they aren’t “required to function in every day life”, but they are necessary to our happiness. Some people may want to go to work, eat, sleep, and start over again, but most people like variety and spice. If someone tells you not to pursue something that isn’t harming anyone and you enjoy doing, do it anyway. Do it for yourself.
6. Body, What’s Wrong?
One day, I was running around work with my head cut off, worrying about when I returned home the amount of school work I had to turn in that night. As I was running, I started feeling pain in my chest, and in that moment, my body was telling me “You need to slow down.” Listen to your body because it knows you better than you do. When you get sick, you’re supposed to rest until you become well again. If you make the time to have moments of self-relaxation, your body won’t be complaining, and you get to continue doing great things.
7. Road Trip!
If you can figure out how to make the time, getting away is a beneficial option to rejuvenating yourself. Last year, I did something I had never done before: traveled alone by plane to two different states. It was a terrifying thought that turned into a breathtaking experience. You become in tune with your environment, and the only person you have to answer to is yourself. This can be opportunity to expand the mind and help you grow as an individual. If you can’t afford to travel a far distance at the moment, start with going to the movies alone or out to dinner. It can feel strange, but if you can enjoy your own company, you will appreciate everyone who comes into your life.
Comment your thoughts below. Thank you 😊
Taking Back Love 