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Everyone needs alone time. It’s important to take time for yourself. Believe it or not, spending time in solitude is one of the best ways to improve your relationship with others and yourself. It might feel weird at first if you’re not used to being alone, but integrating “me time” into your life is beneficial to your overall mental wellbeing.

Creating a “Me Time” Routine

Firstly, disconnect. Put your phone and laptop away. Anything that consumes your daily life needs to be put to the side. Sometimes scheduling a day for “me time” can be the easiest. For me, that’s Sunday. It helps me feel mentally prepared to take on the coming week.

Whether you choose to dedicate a whole day or a few hours to your alone time, you should focus on things that either make you feel happy or relaxed. It could be reading a book, painting, meditating, doing a face mask, or even napping. The key to “me time” is to allow your body and mind to take a little break and indulge in something therapeutic.

Benefits of “Me Time”

  1. Allows your mind and body to reboot and decompress. Solitude is helpful in reducing stress or anxiety levels. This is where disconnecting from everyday distractions is the most important. It gives your mind a chance to open and clear up. You can think more clearly without the mind-cluttering thoughts of “what do I need to do next?”.
  2. Improves concentration and productivity. This point almost speaks for itself. When you’re not surrounded by constant interruptions or distractions, you can focus better and get work done more efficiently.
  3. Creates an opportunity to self-reflect and self-discovery. Reflecting on your own opinions, thoughts, and feelings can help you find your own voice that otherwise could be swayed be external information or opinions. This can open the door for more creative thinking and problem-solving.
  4. Improves your relationship with others. Spending time alone can make you more appreciative of your relationships with family, friends, or coworkers. The more you learn about yourself, the more you have to offer these relationships (which allows them to grow).

Balancing Act

In the end, finding a good balance between everyday life and alone time is essential. It’s whatever works best for your schedule and your life. You might have to try different times or activities until you find what works best for you.

Written by GUADS staff member Toni with contributions from psychologytoday.com and bodymindgreen.com