We live in a society where it seems like we always need to be with someone else. We see it on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc. It bothers me that we feel the need to never be by ourselves. Personally, I’m by myself a lot, and I love it. I don’t have to take into account someone else’s feelings or opinions, and best of all – NO PANTS. Here are some facts on why you should be spending more time alone:
1. Unwind your mind. Being with others and engaging in conversation really is great, but sometimes you need time to just sit, watch Bob’s Burgers and not question the integrity of the company or whether they really use human flesh for their burgers. You need time to not think about school, friends, or the boy from your calc class who hasn’t asked for your number yet.
2. Improve concentration and productivity. I don’t know about you, but I get NOTHING, let me repeat, NOTHING done sitting at a table with friends in the library. Being alone gives you no one to talk to, besides yourself or your dog, and causes you to concentrate on your work. I usually do my homework while watching/listening to Gossip Girl so that I still have some noise, but I don’t have to focus on keeping a conversation. I’ve also seen it three times all the way through, so it’s not like I’m missing anything.
3. Work through personal issues. Let’s admit it, we all have personal issues we never have time to work out. Instead of gossiping with your friends (trust me, we all love to), go back to your room and listen to music, and think about what’s going on. Search through pinterest, find new interests. Being alone is when you can find yourself.
4. Enhance relationships. Like I stated above, being alone can help you discover yourself, your likes, interests, etc. By already knowing these things, it becomes easier to build relationships and connections with others who feel the same way!
Ways To Spend Time With Yourself:
1. Put down your phone. Disconnecting plays a major role in discovering yourself. If you’re always looking down at your phone, when will you see what’s around you that you enjoy.
2. Close your door. It’s okay to shut your door. My freshman year, we always kept our door open when we were home, thinking we would miss out on something. It’s okay to miss out. It’s okay to not be in on that inside joke.
3. Make a schedule. When planning your day, pick a 30 minute period each day to be alone. This doesn’t mean in a room by yourself, but sit by yourself and eat breakfast before class. Go to the gym and workout without your phone on.
Being alone is important, and nothing to be ashamed of. Spend a little more time with yourself.