How to Enjoy Your Alone Time Without Feeling Lonely
I’ve always been a natural extrovert.
I love interacting with other people and surrounding myself with friends and lively conversation. Being alone is never as satisfying to me as being with a crowd.
But life’s funny sometimes, and now I spend almost all of my time alone or with very few people.
When I quit my corporate book editing job in 2012, my social interactions were cut dramatically. I started working from home instead of the crowded office I was used to, and I had a hard time making friends because we also moved 6 times in 4 years.
At first, this alone time made me feel uneasy and lonely. It was weird not having coworkers stopping by my desk or hanging out with groups of friends on the weekends.
Everything seemed quieter, more still.
Slowly, that stillness became kind of comforting. I felt like I could relax more, and there was no need for me to be “on” all the time.
I admit that for a while the silence was a bit unnerving so I would listen to classical music or ambient noise to add some kind of vibration to the room.
It was like how I used to blast the car radio whenever I drove anywhere as a teenager because I couldn’t stand the quiet.
But now the silence is like a good friend. Some of my best business ideas come to me when I’m quietly walking Skyla or staring off into the horizon.
Alone time for me is like a comfy blanket I can wrap myself in.
I can just be me, do what I want to do, and not have to consider anyone else’s needs. If I want to read magazines for 2 hours, no one’s going to stop me.
I have permission to be selfish when I’m alone!
Ways to Enjoy Your Alone Time
- Watch hours of funny cat videos on YouTube. This is my perfect therapy.
- Listen to your favorite music. Be sure to sing really loud and off key too.
- Read whatever lights you up inside—cheesy romance novels, comic books, fashion magazines, etc.
- Write in your gratitude journal or aspiration journal.
- Take a nap for as long as you please.
- Paint your nails, take a bubble bath, curl your hair, and create a home spa experience.
- Sit quietly in meditation. Here’s my favorite easy meditation.
My life has fewer people in it these days, but I’ve learned that being alone doesn’t have to feel lonely. I’ve got me, and that’s enough.
This post focuses on Step 5 of the Life Editing Process, Make White Space for Personal Self-Care. For more about life editing and what it can do for you, click here.
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