7 Ways To Make The Most of Your Alone Time

We've all been there: sitting at home on our day off, trying to find something meaningful to do with our time, only to end up losing ourselves in 11 episodes of a Netflix TV series that we've already watched straight through twice.

It seems that when youíre bogged down with work, friends, and housework, you have a million different things you want to do when you finally get a second to yourself. But then, when that time comes, it's as if your brain has forgotten all about work, friends, chores, and unfortunately everything you wanted to do with your free time.

# Make a list and actually cross stuff off!

It's one thing to write down all of the activities youíre going to do when you finally get a second to yourself, but it's another to actually accomplish them. Getting a haircut, painting your nails, reading a book, seeing that movie, and other things like this can get lost in the back of your mind if you don't write them down somewhere.

Writing down these thoughts and ideas will not only help you to remember them, but it'll also make it easier for you to get them done if you see that they are still awaiting a check mark. Don't you just love the feeling of checking something off your list? Keep a notepad and pen with you at all times, so you can write down random thoughts that pop into your head. If you can't carry a notepad, you can text the items to yourself to read later.

# Prioritize

It's okay if you don't end up watching a certain video on YouTube that someone told you about, but it's not okay if you don't get your hair cut before that upcoming wedding in which you are a bridesmaid, all because you just couldn't pass up that YouTube video. We all know what happens: 2 minutes turns into 3 hours very quickly in the world of funny cat videos.

Getting the most important things accomplished first will actually help you with getting the rest of it done. When you finish your important list items, you will have more time for other things, and you will relax better knowing that those things are out of the way.


# Just say no!

Don't be afraid to say no to your friends and family or anyone else who is trying to take away your time when you need it for yourself. It's okay to tell them that youíre otherwise occupied and won't be able to make plans with them.

I've done this a number of times. Someone will ask if I want to grab a drink or something, and I'll think about it for a bit, then decide that my silk pajamas are way more comfortable than jeans and a bra. At first, I may have been worried that they may get upset or annoyed, but honestly, they all understood. So it's okay to tell loved ones you have some things of your own to take care of!

# Turn off your cellphone

Or at least put it on silent or throw it in a drawer and forget about it for the day. There is nothing worse than having your phone go off 50 times in an hour when youíre trying to get things done. If you have to sit and reply to that many messages, emails, and voicemails, you are wasting time that could be spent accomplishing the things you want to get done.

If youíre worried about missing an emergency, you can just check your phone a couple of times a day. I know it can be tempting to have your phone right next to you at all times *like it's your respirator and you need it to live*, but trust me. Itís better off being forgotten for the day.

# Get up early

If you have the morning to get things done, or even the whole day, set an alarm to get up a little bit earlier *cue the moans and groans from readers!* I know, I know, nobody wants to get up early on a day they have to themselves but it is a great way to kick-start the day.

Waking up early gets you up and moving before most people are, making getting some boring things *think errands* done a bit easier. Starting your day off early will also ensure that you have plenty of time to get done what you need to. Plus, you can always nap later, if that's what you wish to do! It is YOUR alone time, after all.

# Don't think about anything else

Don't let work, your parents, or even chores drag you down when you should be focusing on you. Those thoughts can easily conjure up stress and negativity, turning a day of rest and self-care into a nightmare.

Block all of those thoughts during the time you have to yourself. You can always worry about them when you get back to work or taking care of everyone else. For now, itís time to take care of yourself.

# Try something new

If you really want to make the most of your alone time, then think outside the box. What good is a day to yourself when you don't spend the time doing something you've never done before?

Go see a new movie, visit that restaurant you keep telling yourself you'll try, or even just shop at a new store. How can your alone time be wasted if youíre busy doing new and exciting things? You will most likely learn a thing or two, and maybe you'll even find a new favorite place to eat. You never know.