Lately, I have been spending a lot of alone time with myself reflecting on this whole learning process I currently feel like I am going through.
As a self-proclaimed people pleaser, I treasure alone time.
Spending time with friends and family is something I throughly enjoy:Â sometimes I hate being alone and sometimes I love it. But I find that a lot of the time I need my own time to recharge and think.
After all, the relationship that matters the most is the one we have with ourselves. While this is often hard to see – it is simply truth.
A lot of people mistake being alone for loneliness. But this is NOT the case my peeps.
Being alone is an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself. Feel comfortable with your own thoughts. Something I have finally learned to do in the past few weeks. It is completely okay that not everyone appreciates solitude as much as I do, and I totally respect that. Some people learn more about themselves with others.
However, I do believe it is vital to take time for yourself and at the end of the day it is beneficial for all of us, even if it’s just 10 minutes out of your whole day. Sometimes being surrounded by others 24/7 can make us act in ways we wouldn’t normally behave. Think about the mannerisms you use with friends. I have some friends I talk completely different with and others I sound like a basic white girl. I have a different persona when I see clients then when I am talking with my friends – it’s good to just hang out and spend some time with yourself.
Take those 10 minutes to regroup and focus on what you want to achieve that day. Or possibly, what you did achieve that day.
5 Reasons Why It Is Important to Take Time for Yourself:
1. It gives you time to think
It’s easy to get caught up in everything that is going on in our lives especially on social media or with our social groups. Hands up if you ever get FOMO (fear of missing out), I know I do and more often than not it makes me feel like I need to keep up. Or possibly not being invited to things leads me to overthink. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I HIGHLY recommend you take some time for yourself. Sometimes all we need is a break to organize our thoughts and figure everything out. I recently came across this quote by Oprah:
“Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own.”
This speaks volume to me. Ways I like to be alone: take my dog to the dog park, go for a run or walk, write down why I am grateful, read something of choice (not textbooks, haha), or just lay in bed listening to my own thoughts, listening to music, it sometimes helps me see everything more clearly.
2. Helps you create a healthier relationship with yourself
Spending time with yourself means you’re listening to your own thoughts and being attentive to your needs. You start noticing how you think and what you like & don’t like without being influenced by the people around you. I am a HUGELY influenced by the vibes of people I am surrounded by, and let me tell you, that shit can and will take a toll on your well being. You need to appreciate life through your own perspective – not others. Give space for self discovery and explore your own personality. Discover how amazing you can be when you’re living the way you want, what you like and what makes you happiest. Try out new things like meditation, no one’s there to judge, anyway.
3. You become more independent
Being alone forces you to become less dependent on others. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to have different people you can ask when you want advice or company, but sometimes it’s good to do things on your own, to prove to yourself you are capable. You will eventually start trusting your instincts and in turn, you will feel more confident about who you are. Recently I decided I needed to take a step back from everything and re-evaluate how and where I exert my energy. Even though it is probably one of the scarier things I’ve done, as I have always struggled to say no or be up front with people. I believe it’s something I need to do for myself. I realized that I am responsible for making myself happy.
4. You can do whatever you want
What’s the best thing about being alone? You can do whatever you want.
WHATEVER YOU WANT.
Binge on Netflix, eat chocolate for dinner or sing to the songs you’re cleaning your room too, no one is there to judge you. Have a movie night in alone, you pick what you watch – you have all the time to be indecisive and no-one to remind you have indecisive you are. No one’s time is on your hands…go shopping and try on everything you want, even when you know you can’t afford very much haha (student life) – there’s no one there complaining about how long you’re taking. Explore a coffee shop near you, you’re the one picking the vibe and how you want to feel! So yes, maybe trying something other than being a basic white girl and going to Starbucks. While it’s great having someone there you can share those little moments with, ridin’ solo can teach you SO much.
 5. You get time to relax and recharge
Self-care is super important and taking time to enjoy your own company not only helps to clear your mind but it’s also a great way to recharge your mind and body.
~ MIND + BODY + SOUL ~
(Friendly reminder that it so important to ensure you are attentive to all aspects of your life. Not just your body/aesthetics at the gym, not just your mind in school and not solely what you want to do) – sometimes we need to sacrifice certain things in order to succeed. Don’t forget that.
Sometimes all you need is to disconnect from the world outside for a little while – because it can be so important to switch off – and enjoy your own company. Take a warm shower, read a good book or make yourself a good cup of tea, do a face-mask or take yourself for dinner. Spend time with yourself. Figure out who you are without the influence of others. It is so important.
XX,Â
Keep on doing the things you want friends. YOU DO YOU.
Ames.
My Little Missadventure 