“Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.”
Barbara De Angeli
Do you ever feel like you can’t catch a break? That your days are full of chores, meetings, and people? Well, you are not alone.
In today’s fast-paced world, there is little time to slow down and relax. And this is especially true for women. We nurture their families, make career moves, and maintain social schedules without skipping a beat. But in truth, most women, yourself included, can do with a break. After all, there is more to life than being superwoman. And what better way to take a break than spending some time by yourself.
Let us look at why being alone is important and how you can slow down and refocus your energy.
Why is Alone Time Good for You?
“Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own.”
Oprah Winfrey
Solitude is known to increase mental health and life satisfaction. This could be a chance for you to:
Focus Inwards. Take this chance to slow down and focus on your thoughts and feelings away from the world.
Unleash Your Creativity. There is a reason why creatives prefer doing solo tasks. It is a chance to let your mind wander and test out different ideas.
Build Mental Strength. Alone time gives you a chance to practice mindfulness and fortify your mind against stress and depression.
Practice Self Love. Solitude allows you to learn more about yourself. Think of it as a chance to practice self-love, identify your values, and explore your passions.
Here Are Some Fun Alone Time Suggestions
There are hundreds of fun activities that you can indulge in. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Have Your Own DIY Spa Time
Spa days are a great way to unplug and unwind. Unfortunately, getting pampered can be costly, but that should not stop you. You can create a DIY spa day and get some premium home relaxation. There are several tutorials on DIY home spas and a range of affordable beauty products and gadgets. Some DIY spa time will soothe your body, improve your sleep, relax your mind, and boost body image.
Karaoke. Be The Star of The Show!
If you want something fun to spice up your solo time, consider listening to your favourite music and hosting a solo karaoke night. Listening to music can uplift your spirits and stimulate your brain. Plus, singing along has been known to have numerous benefits like improving memory and breathing. It can also be a cathartic experience that helps you release intense negative feelings.
Learn a New Instrument
Taking up a new instrument is always fulfilling and can be a great way to improve your skillset. Unfortunately, learning a new instrument can be difficult and embarrassing, especially with a critical audience. Luckily, there is a better way to learn. Solo time is the perfect time to play your nasty tune until you perfect it.
Solo Date Night
Dress up, slap on some make-up, and walk into your favourite restaurant. Despite the stigma of eating alone, it is often an empowering and fulfilling activity. You get to savour each bite without interruption and enjoy your own company.
Visit a Museum or Exhibit
If you are into art and culture, consider spending your solo time at a museum or art exhibit. Both activities are a playground for your imagination and can offer a tranquil and insightful time. You will also have a chance to choose your itinerary and move at your own pace, spending more time on pieces you enjoy without being whisked away. Visiting a museum improves your imagination and creativity. So do not be afraid to bring a sketchbook along.
Go To a Movie or Musical
Going to the movies or seeing a musical alone can be a rewarding and refreshing solution to your busy schedule. Sure, there are people around you, but you do not have to interact with them.
Experiment In the Kitchen
Contrary to the idea that solo time is all about relaxing and winding down, it can also be a time to try out new recipes or create a unique dish.
Binge Watching a Series
Perhaps the most popular form of alone time is binging on a Netflix show for a couple of hours. This is especially easy if you need to relax your mind. After all, TV is the perfect form of escapism.
Treat Yourself Like A Queen
Most of us are conditioned to self-hate or rely on outside validation to feel worthy. You can break that cycle by changing how you perceive yourself, practicing self-awareness, and self-love.
Pamper yourself, buy some flowers, and practice positive self-talk. Even with your shortcomings, It is important to show yourself kindness. More importantly, applaud your achievements. This will have a positive effect on your confidence and outlook. Always remind yourself that you are worth loving, flaws and all.
Meditate Or Pray
Solitude creates a perfect atmosphere to get in touch with your spirituality. Meditation and prayer can ground your emotions, increase positivity, and give you a sense of fulfillment. Let’s take a deep breath, clear your mind and focus.
Sip Some Tea or Wine
There are assortments of calming and relaxing tea blends that would make a solo evening magical. Alternatively, you can pour yourself a glass of wine or fix yourself a cocktail. Next, pair your tea or wine with slow music, aromatic candles, and a good book. Alternatively, you could also use this time to journal to declutter thoughts and feelings.
Watch The Sunrise or Sunset
Watching the sunrise or sunset will pump new life into your soul. You can find peace and calm in all the brilliant colours as you sip your favourite beverage.
Let The Fun Begin!
Venturing into the world of solitude often seems overwhelming. But, give it a try and find out by yourself that you are much braver than you give yourself credit for.
Recognizing, acknowledging, and experiencing your feelings is a good thing, don’t run away from them.
“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”
Aretha Franklin
Most of us experience feelings of happiness or feelings of sadness when we listen to music. Either way, music helps us to amplify the feelings we are experiencing and somehow gives us comfort. Music helps us to balance our moods… it simply soothes us.
The Power of Music
Studies show that music can reduce blood pressure, anxiety, slow heart rate, and even decrease levels of cortisol. Secondly, it can improve sleep, mental alertness, memory, higher emotional intelligence, and lower blood pressure. According to research, Classical music has calming effects which is why it is recommended to ease anxiety. But in addition to Classical Music, Easy Listening, Country, and Pop music are also recommended to ease anxiety and nervousness
What if I am feeling blue?
There is something magical about music. Each song can awaken a different emotion in us. The lyrics, beats, and melodies can all help us to lift our spirit. Listening to Rock music when feeling blue could help to ease your day. We have created a mixed genre playlist ‘Feeling Blue’ for you to listen to and to experience how your body feels and reacts to each song.
Music is Beauty!
Santayana referred to beauty as the linked to pleasure, and fundamental to human purpose and experience. But it is when we experience an emotion of pleasure that beauty arises, thus when we listen to music we might see and acknowledge more beauty within us.
I recently read an article by Readers Digest in which they describe music as the purest form of art and the most direct expression of beauty. I believe, that every woman is also an expression of beauty and just like music women enhance the life of all of those around them.
