3 Clues You Aren't Getting Enough Alone Time

Life can get really hectic, really fast.

But you already know that...right?

There's so much going on and so many things vying for your attention that it can be hard to get a moment for yourself and by yourself. Before long, you may experience overwhelm, feel run down, be depressed, or be agitated. For some folks, an anxiety attack may be imminent.

Sometimes the answer lies in finding solitude.

If you're not sure you need some time alone, consider these three indicators you need some solitude.

1. You have a short fuse and are easily agitated
2. Losing interest in doing things with other people
3. You feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by everything

You may need some alone time if you're feeling mad all the time

Anger has its place.

It's not an emotion to avoid but rather one to recognize when it's negative or causes hurt to yourself or others.

So lemme ask you this. Do you find yourself overreacting to people without a good reason? Having a short fuse and being easily agitated by people is a key indicator you need some solitude. Everyone has a limit on how much time and energy they can give away. Once you reach your capacity, you must get some time for yourself and recalibrate.

Over time if you don't take time for yourself, you can find it harder and harder to keep a positive attitude, even with the people you love most.

Solitude may be in order if you cringe at the thought of leaving the house

If you find yourself wishing you could stay home and shut out the world, it may be a good idea to find some alone time.

When you find yourself avoiding answering the phone, wishing plans will fall through, or resisting opportunities to do things you usually enjoy, it's probably time to find some solitude. If your once outgoing attitude feels far more introverted, it's a sign that you may need a break from people and to spend time alone.

It's essential to be honest with yourself and truly recognize when this is happening.

You may need some solitude if hugging your spouse is a chore

I'm not gonna try and play marriage counselor here, but the fact is the fact.

Our senses are being bombarded all the time.

Sight, sound, smell, and sensory overstimulation is a real thing. If you find you can't stand the thought of being touched, spoken to, or distracted by one more thing, it's high time you get some space.

Take some alone time and regroup.

Options for finding more solitude

Create do not disturb time

Schedule some solitude into your day.

From eating lunch alone to a thirty-minute walk after dinner, scheduling time for yourself will help you stick to it and keep it a priority. Even sitting in your car in the driveway for ten minutes before entering your home can be refreshing to an overstimulated mind.

It's not weird. It's often quite necessary.

Cut your screen time

Turning your phone silent is an easy way to avoid alerts and disruptive calls or texts.

Cutting back on screen time can reduce triggers like polarizing content that add to your stress. Avoiding blue light an hour or two before bedtime also increases the chances of falling and staying deeper asleep.

Try one or both of these.

Find a good book

This one is my personal fav and my go-to.

Getting lost in a great story is a perfect way to get some me-time and spark your imagination. Make reading a routine part of your day and encourage your family to enjoy reading as well.

Sit in silence

Try turning off tech during your commute from work. Enjoying quiet moments in the car can help you decompress from the workday and gear up for family time with more patience and energy.

No commute these days? Then step outside and find some solace in nature.

You may not realize how overwhelmed you are and have never thought of how vital solitude can be. Take a moment to check in with yourself and see if some privacy can help.

The final word

I hope you found this article helpful in recognizing when you may need some alone time.

It's important to be honest with yourself and understand that solitude can be a necessary part of maintaining your mental health and well-being. We've provided a few tips on how you can find more solitude, whether it's through creating "do not disturb" time or cutting back on your screen time.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and consider if some solo time could be what you need. Solitude can help you recharge, refocus, and return to your loved ones with a clear head.

Solitude can be a great thing. Join my email list with 1,000's of others who love some "alone time", and for more freelancing insights.