Being primarily social animals that have grown up surrounded by parents, friends and then partners, we don’t get much time to spend on our own, unless we make a conscious effort. We also don’t tend to think that spending time on our own is essential, and that’s where the problem stems. In the last two-ish years of having been single, I’ve found a lot more comfort in being by myself and I even crave alone time sometimes. Here’s why I think we should all make time for these self-dates.
It clears your mind, and how
In today’s world, waking or sleeping, we don’t get much time to ourselves. So when you consciously make time to be alone with yourself and your thoughts, leaving your phone or any other electronic device locked up far away, you finally get the time to process what’s going on in your life. Be it your work or love life, you can make time to clearly think about things without distractions, even make physical lists/notes if you have to, and effectively work on some of your problems. This time is also great to get into some sort of relaxing, meditative state or catch up on that nap you’ve been dying for.
And, I’m not kidding, once you go back to normal functioning after taking even an hour or two for yourself, you’ll be in so much a better mood.
It makes you realise that you don’t need anyone else
From whatever adulthood I’ve experienced till now, it all just seems like one lesson after another of not trusting or relying on other people too much. It all seems to be leading me towards the realisation that I pretty much don’t need anyone but myself, and taking time off to be alone has only strengthened that belief. If you can be comfortable on your own and keep yourself entertained, challenged and, most importantly, happy, it’s kind of obvious that you don’t explicitly need someone else.(Especially that unworthy ex.)
You get over the past much faster than before
This time for reflection allows you to take stock of your life, and it also helps you see things much clearer than you did before. So if you’ve been stuck on something in your past, you will most likely be able to move forward from it easier once you’ve had this time to realise its futility.
If you’re not already independent, this will make you so much so
Not only does it give you a sense of freedom, but being alone also immediately makes you more independent. You are so completely in charge of your decisions and free to function of your own will that it instantly makes you a tad more responsible and confident. It’s a great way to let go of insecurities that are always bogging you down.
All of this will help your next relationship
Taking time out to spend on your own, especially in today’s times, offers you a level of personal growth that is highly underestimated right now. All of these little personal milestones you’ll cross, whether work-wise or self-confidence-wise, will cause you to be a more self-assured, self-sufficient person. And once you discover your worth and are able to take more joy in solitude, you’re going to be so much better equipped to get into a new, healthy relationship.
