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Below, I have listed some tips for people who struggle with being alone. With these calming activities, you can learn how to find comfort in solitude – even when you have a tendency to get anxious.
Try these calming activities and learn to find comfort in solitude
#1. Develop (or improve) your morning routine
Those who are not used to being alone often have troubles ‘getting stuff done’ – usually because of the (sudden) absence of social control. I suggest setting up a morning routine for yourself. It’s totally up to you what that morning routine looks like. My personal advice would be to get up around the same time every day, which benefits your circadian rhythm and sleep quality. Maybe you like to take my morning coffee outside and listen to the world waking up around you. Make a to-do list. Set an intention for the day. See what works for you and what doesn’t. Are there certain tasks that you need to do every day, like walk the dog, feed the cat or check your work emails? Try to incorporate those tasks in your morning routine. Getting them out of the way early on means you can let them go for the rest of the day, which helps to reduce anxiety and create more headspace.
#2. Take time to stretch
While I personally like to stretch in the morning because it helps to wake up physically and ‘ease into the day’, some people benefit from doing this later in the day or before bed. Either way, you should definitely try to stretch every day. Stretching (especially when done by moving with the breath) is a great way to connect with your body, activate your muscles and release any tension. Don’t worry about flexibility or not being able to perform certain stretches. Nobody is watching, so there is no judgement. It’s all about what makes you feel good.
#3. Go for a walk
Even on the laziest days it is important to get some fresh air, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. During the fall and winter, try to get out between 11 and 3 pm, or at least when it is light outside. This can make a huge difference for your mood and energy levels, especially when you’re struggling with SAD. The benefits of walking are even greater when you make it a mindful walk. This is one of the best things you can do to find comfort in solitude.
#4. Declutter
Decluttering something usually means that it has to get messy before it gets organized. Having someone in your way will not make the process any easier. That’s why decluttering is a great thing to do during your alone time! Don’t try to do it all at once though; just pick one thing (your wardrobe or your pantry, for example) and focus on that. Getting it done will give you a dopamine boost. Plus, living in a clean and decluttered space lowers your stress levels and contributes to your well-being. Got some time left? Consider creating your own mindfulness corner.
#5. Reflect on your goals
Use your alone-time to reflect on your goals. Grab a notebook and a pen, write down what you want to accomplish in the long run regarding various aspects of your life. Then break down those goals down into smaller, more concrete steps. Also make a list of the progress you’ve already made, and reflect on the things you can do better.
#6. Try a sound bath
Do a Google search to see if there are any wellness centres in your area where you can participate in a sound bath. This a very relaxing activity that’s perfect to do on your own. A sound bath is a deeply-immersive, therapeutic experience that uses sounds to calm your body and mind.
#7. Make time for self-care
Self-care is often one of the things that get pushed to the back-burner when we are in the company of others. So why not use your time alone to give your #1 some TLC? Prep an at-home spa night for yourself. Take a long bath, do a face mask, cut your nails, give yourself a pedicure and slather on your favourite body oil. You’ll be warm and relaxed when it’s time for bed. And with a little luck, you’ll sleep like a baby.
