Having some alone time is essential to your well-being as it allows you to prioritise your needs and recharge your body and mind. Unfortunately with the hustle and bustle of life, it can be hard to allocate an hour or so to do a therapeutic activity or bask in some peace and quiet.

So to help, here are five ways to take full advantage of your solitary time.

*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and I have purchased and tested the products mentioned here. The opinions shared are strictly my own. 

1. Set Your Boundaries

The first and most important step when looking to carve out some alone time for your mental health is setting boundaries with others who are likely to interrupt you.

For example, say “no” to any family and friends requests if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need solitude one evening.

Instead of making an excuse, be direct and understanding of your loved ones’ needs by offering a compromise like: “I need some time to recharge, but let’s plan for another day” or “I would appreciate a couple hours of uninterrupted time to focus on myself”.

Related Reading: At-Home Self Care Ideas (Part 1)

2. Create a Designated Space for Your Private Time

Design a comfortable and inviting space in your home which is exclusive to your alone time.

For example, you can position a cushioned chair with light blankets near a window, and close by, there should be plants and incense sticks to create a calm ambience. Having a designated space will help you feel more in control of your mental and emotional well-being.

However, if you prefer a change of environment, find a place outside your home which makes you feel at ease and where you will not be bothered by strangers or friends and family.

3. Indulge Your Cravings

Balancing when to give in to your indulges is a form of self care and can make you happier in the long-term. For example, a spa treatment or a yummy snack can offer the perfect pick-me-up for your downtime.

Devon Hampers – a family-owned business – provides ready-made and bespoke hampers, making it ideal for satisfying your cravings. My personal favourite is the Cornish Pasty & Cream Tea Hamper which consists of strawberry conserve, 2x steak pasties, clotted cream, fresh baked scones and more.

Moreover, this award-winning online retailer has hampers for different occasions such as Christmas and Father’s Day, and meets a range of dietary requirements, like with their Vegas Cream Tea for 2 Hamper.

4. Do a Physical Activity

Find a low-impact workout or stretching exercise to improve your mobility and body awareness.

This is especially helpful if you’re sitting in-front of a computer from morning to night.

Whether you’re working in an office or remotely, carve out a few minutes in the day to step away from your workspace to stretch, do a quick exercise routine, or go for a short walk.

Doing any kind of movement can relieve stress, improve your mood, and reduce feelings of anxiety.

5. Limit Social Media Use

Social media is a useful tool for communicating worldwide and providing interesting content. But consequently, it can be a rabbit hole that distracts you for hours.

Reduce screen time by setting a timer on your most-used social media phone apps to block certain hours from accessing them. Another practice is leaving your phone in a different room to lessen the reflex and temptation of checking for messages and updates.

However, other apps on your phone can be super helpful for relaxing and setting a calm ambiance during your downtime. For example, listening to meditation music or an inspirational audiobook can be soothing and give your eyes a break from looking at the screen.

Related Reading: How to “Switch Off” After Work

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