Time for Yourself

<< Neues Textfeld >>

THE MEANING OF TIME FOR YOURSELF

Those of us who have had to get comfortable with the idea of working from home have either enjoyed it or realized our worst nightmare. Based on who we are, the idea of being alone can sound like a dream or fill us with horror. It gets especially complicated during the holiday season, when we often feel alternately socially overwhelmed or extremely isolated. But whether we love it or hate it, being alone is an important way to readjust our internal clocks, feelings and routines - and it's much needed if we want to close out a year that, for better or worse, may have left us feeling a bit exhausted. And sometimes time away - even if it's just an armchair trip - is the best way to reevaluate our lives and figure out what's really important to us. So how does solitude help us get back in touch with ourselves?

IT SHOWS THAT YOU VALUE YOURSELF

When you choose solitude on purpose - and not as a general lifestyle, but just for a few hours, a day, or a week - it means that you are allowing yourself what has commonly become known as "me time," the all-important component of self-care. Although some may see this as a luxury or narcissism, resist the urge to feel guilty about taking time off. Don't think of it as a selfish pursuit, but as taking time to empower yourself. When you feel empowered and appreciate what you have to offer, you are of great value to the people you love.

IT MAKES YOU MORE RESILIENT

We tend to attach a certain fear to being alone, sometimes quite irrationally. Some specialists believe that this is due to our fear of boredom, which overcame us at some point in our childhood. Boredom, in fact, is considered one of the most important feelings in our human development. It triggers feelings of dissatisfaction, restlessness, and fatigue-all negative emotions-which in turn cause our survival urges to kick into high gear. In fact, most of our best survival choices are born in a state of boredom. But instead of finding quick solutions to boredom, like binge-watching or endless scrolling, make the most of your time by thinking about what you'd most like to change about your life, writing it down, and listing solutions. You may discover a new hobby or profession in the process.

YOUR BODY CAN KEEP UP WITH YOUR MIND

Your brain is a true wonder - generating thoughts, firing neurons - all while keeping your body running so you can get through the next day. Give yourself a lot of credit! The only problem is that your brain can so easily run away from you, often leaving you feeling disconnected from the world and from yourself. When you allow your brain to rest, it triggers a physical chain reaction in your body where first your muscles relax, then your heart rate slows and your blood pressure drops. Soon, your body releases an antidote to the adrenaline coursing through your veins, and your body and mind begin to reconnect until they are perfectly aligned. And then your creativity kicks in, and you feel a surge of inspiration to change the world!

How often we need to disconnect in order to recover, find ourselves again, or reinvent ourselves is ultimately a very personal matter. There is no magic formula, and certainly not one that works equally well for everyone. What you need depends on you and your ability to interpret the signs - to know when to pull back and find time for yourself. But never underestimate the importance of taking time for yourself, and don't be afraid of a period of boredom.