We’ve all been there: sitting at home on a day off, looking for something meaningful to do, only to find ourselves immersed in 11 episodes of a Netflix series we’ve already binged … twice. It’s our sweet, cherished alone time.
When work, friends, and house chores pile up, you often have a list of things you want to tackle in your free time. Yet, when that precious moment arrives, it’s as if your mind lets go of everything – not just work, friends, and chores, but all the things you wanted to do as well.
Alone time is exactly what it sounds like – time spent by yourself. But more than that, it’s about quality alone time, where you feel less stressed and more at peace. Many people crave this time, especially introverts.
Some people need more alone time than others. Generally, introverts tend to need it more than extroverts. But why? Here’s why.
When people hear introvert, they often think of someone shy and socially awkward, but that’s not necessarily true. Introverts can be friendly, social people who enjoy others’ company. However, socializing drains their energy, and they need alone time to recharge.
On the flip side, extroverts aren’t all outgoing, life-of-the-party types who thrive on attention. An extrovert can be reserved or even shy, yet they gain energy from being around people, which is the opposite of how introverts operate. For extroverts, alone time can actually feel draining.
That said, extroverts also benefit from alone time. While it might not come as naturally, alone time can still offer valuable benefits for everyone, as you’re about to see.
# Make a List… and Actually Cross Things Off!Writing down the activities you want to do in your free time is helpful, but crossing them off is even better! Tasks like getting a haircut, painting your nails, reading, or catching a movie can easily slip your mind unless they’re written down somewhere. Having a list helps you remember and track what’s still left to do – plus, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of crossing things off? Keep a notepad handy or use your phone to jot down ideas as they come.
# Set PrioritiesIt’s no big deal if you skip that YouTube video someone mentioned, but not getting a haircut before being in a wedding might be! Prioritizing the most important tasks first will leave you with more time to enjoy other activities later, and you’ll relax more knowing the essentials are taken care of.
# Just Say No!Don’t be afraid to decline invitations if you need the time for yourself. Politely let friends and family know you have personal plans. Most people understand, and sometimes they’re doing the same thing – trading a night out for a cozy evening in pajamas.
# Silence Your PhonePut your phone on silent or stash it away for the day. Constant notifications can be a major distraction, and replying to messages or emails can eat up precious alone time. To avoid missing emergencies, just check your phone a couple of times. Otherwise, it’s best to forget about it.
# Get Up EarlyIf you want to make the most of your alone time, set an alarm to start your day earlier. Waking up ahead of the crowd can make running errands easier and give you plenty of time for everything you want to do. And, hey – there’s always time for a nap later if needed!
# Focus on YourselfLet go of work, family obligations, and household chores during your alone time. Dwelling on them will only add stress, turning what should be a restful day into a frustrating one. Save those thoughts for later; right now, it’s all about you.
# Try Something NewUse your alone time to explore something different. Watch a new movie, try a restaurant you’ve been curious about, or browse a new store. Trying something fresh can make your day feel special, and you might even discover a new favorite spot!
# Do Whatever You Want!It’s your time, so make the most of it by doing exactly what you want. Whether that’s watching 11 episodes of a show you love or doing absolutely nothing, the choice is yours. Embrace this time for yourself, and enjoy every minute however you please.