Going it alone
Being alone is something shared by us all, but it doesn’t need to be an uncomfortable thing, it can actually be our greatest teacher. Mastering the art of solitude doesn’t make us more antisocial but, to the contrary, better able to connect.
How to change your perspective on being alone
While there are plenty of studies discussing the psychological downsides of loneliness and social isolation, there is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that a certain amount of quality time alone is critical to well-being.
Whether you’re off work right now, or working from home, many people are finding it especially isolating. Here are a few tips on how to feel better and change your perspective on being alone…
Invest in yourself
Now is the time to build your skillset. Training your mindset to not be afraid to take the shot will allow you to blow past people who are better or smarter than you. You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take… so believe that you can get good at anything.
Your success is a result of the skills you’ve acquired. Skill is like key used in opening door, and the more keys you have, the more doors you can open. In hard times, you can utilize different skills to make money, pass time, gain an edge on the competition, and better connect with others.
Virtual coffee
Are you missing your buddies more than ever? Having friendships and a strong social network is important for your mental health and well-being, but going solo once helps you appreciate those connections all the more. Setup a Zoom or Skype call with friends and remind them of how grateful you are to have them in your life.
5-minute meditation
Panic or anxiety can really send us for a loop. A body scan meditation can help us feel more anchored in the present—and more at home in ourselves. Read more about Body Scan Meditation in my book Recipes for a Zesty Life
Go for a bike ride or hike
If you’re not under lockdown, you can still maintain social distancing while getting some fresh air and exercise. Doing activities by yourself allows you to enjoy the things you love at your own pace, connect with nature, and make decisions in your own way. Through isolated pursuits, you learn more about yourself and can reflect on your experiences.
Online Pilates Classes
Re-centre yourself, work up a sweat, and stretch it out with some online Pilates classes by Core Intentions. A great way to get social within your own space.
Bust out the mat
Roll out your mat at any time of day and get into the routine of doing some stretching, strengthening and stability ball exercises.
Get creative
Hemingway famously said that solitude is essential for creative work. One can never be alone enough to write…use your demons for good things instead of letting them destroy you. Something happens when you sit there, alone…you get heaved back on yourself. Your life and your emotions, what you think and what you feel, bubble up; and you can’t run away. Artistic solitude is a decision to turn and face yourself. A few ideas for creativity:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Cooking
- Guitar / Piano
- Crafts
- Fly tying
- Woodwork
- Writing
Acts of kindness
Have you ever noticed that when you do something nice for someone else, it makes you feel better too? Compassion is one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives.
Learn to be alone
Being alone is something you’re going to be doing a whole lot of, for the rest of your life. It’s a good thing to know how to do; you get to know yourself, and I that’s a very important person to know in life…
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