Have you been feeling a bit ‘off’ lately? Parties don’t seem as enjoyable as they used to, making you push yourself to attend these events. This may not be as bad as one might suspect, it might just be our body and mind craving some much-needed alone time. In the hustle of trying to make it in the race, ‘rest’ often becomes stigmatized. The narrative of having to earn ‘rest’ overrides the concept of it being a necessity–but when do we actually earn it? That’s something people still struggle to figure out. Hence relying on your body’s signals and catering to them becomes very important. Here are some signs to look out for:
Irritability: Do you find yourself getting irritated by even the slightest of things? A question from your partner or the usual sounds in the house starts to get under your skin–it might be a sign that something is up. This might signify that you are hitting your limit and need some time alone.
Losing interest in social interactions: Have you found yourself fighting the urge to slip away from the crowd into a quiet corner during house parties just to avoid the crowd? But also found it confusing as you always saw yourself enjoying them. These might be signs for you to take some time off.
Lack of focus or struggling to concentrate: Your brain might feel foggy even while working on your favourite project. You feel the need to constantly bring yourself back to the task at hand which can be draining and exhausting.
Feeling tired or fatigued: Even after hours of sleep, you still find it difficult to get out of bed. Nothing seems fun anymore, and you find yourself procrastinating even on activities you once enjoyed. This might signify the need to recharge yourself before you can take up anything that involves expending energy.
Feeling constantly on the go: You find yourself always rushing from one place to another or from one project to the next, which may mean you are not getting enough time to unwind.
These can negatively impact both our mental and physical health. Taking time out for ourselves can act as a reset button and here’s how:
Improves self-awareness and independence: Learning to be comfortable spending time alone can contribute to personal growth and development. It provides an opportunity for self-exploration without any judgments.
Boosts creative thinking: Free time allows your mind to wander and explore new routes of thought, fuelling creativity.
Emotional Regulation: Taking time for yourself provides the space needed to connect with your emotions, making them easier to manage.
Even though taking time off has many benefits, it is not always an easy decision to make. Especially because we are unsure how to spend time alone or what all truly qualifies as quality time. The stigma attached to being alone does not help either. So, here are some tips to keep in mind while spending your alone time well!
Plan your day: Choose an activity to engage in for the day. Since not everyone feels comfortable spending time alone, planning in advance can help! This could include revisiting a lost hobby or finally watching that movie, you’ve always wanted to.
Set Boundaries: Bring your loved ones on board, let them know that you need some time off. Explain why it’s important and work on establishing clear boundaries.
Try staying offline: Disconnecting from the online world during these periods can enhance your experience. It allows you to focus on yourself, free from distractions and social comparisons.
Be Flexible: Sometimes plans don’t work–and that’s okay! Any activity or even taking a pause is time well spent; in the end that might be just what you needed!
Taking time for yourself becomes very important to recharge and reconnect with yourself. By recognizing the various signs and embracing solitude, you create space for personal growth, emotional balance and rejuvenation.