Alas, the 2020-2021 school year has arrived and progressed. Habitual reactions to the end of each semester have encouraged us to get through the final grind of exams, close our textbooks, and look forward to the summer ahead despite it being only March. What seems like a lifetime ago, before the pandemic, for many of us the final stretch of school was the only time we’d ever really experienced complete social isolation from friends and family. We would often carve out two weeks, many of us would put our phones on Do Not Disturb, freeze our social media accounts, and put a pause on going out with friends knowing that an exciting return to our social lives would commence after the April exam period. But as we know, after a full year of Covid-19 chaos, we’ve all become veterans of being alone. No longer can we anticipate a celebratory night out with the girls or an enormous reunion with friends who’ve been away at other schools. You may be wondering what it is you even have to look forward to post-exam season? What could possibly be different from the life you’ve already been living? Well, what if I told you there is a way to reinvent your time alone. I think I’ve found out how to be just as comfortable with your own company as you would with that of others. Let me show you how to embrace isolation!
- Growth Mindset
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Self-isolation is notoriously described as lonely, boring, exhausting, and, well, predictable. And yes, on an off day I’ve experienced that same outlook, often finding myself caught up in a fixed mindset about what this past year has meant. However, it’s time to turn that fixed mindset into a growth mindset and begin being proactive about our time alone. Focus on what you can control in order to effectively deal with isolation stress. But, also remember that a little stress can be a productive motivator to help you pivot into an actionable outlook as opposed to a reactive one. A change in perspective can actually allow you to look at isolation as a chance to recharge and enjoy your own company. Let’s try to avoid the negative associations with self-isolation, and be open to a more positive outlook.
- Get Passionate
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In order to embrace your time alone, it’s important to feel like you’re accomplishing something in doing so. Many of us are under the impression that there is more value in exerting our energy elsewhere rather than on ourselves, by ourselves. On the contrary, however, I can attest to having had my most productive, eye-opening, and accomplishing moments when I’ve been alone. When you completely immerse yourself in something, whether it’s a new hobby, goal, or interest, you might actually start to enjoy your own company. For instance, during self-isolation, I’ll often learn a new song on the guitar, research my future ambitions, or even try and work on a passion project or two! Being passionate is what gives each person unique value that sets them apart from others, so try new things that give you excitement and make you feel accomplished and goal-oriented. I guarantee that it’ll give you a newfound purpose and perspective on your time spent alone.
- Balance routine and spontaneity
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Okay, so the routine of hanging out by yourself every single day doesn’t sound completely appealing to a social butterfly like myself. However, a comfortable routine should always accompany some spontaneity in order to celebrate the little things throughout your day. Hear me out – I challenge yourself to try one new thing a day that is even slightly out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking a different route on your daily walk, calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, trying a new drink from your corner Starbucks, or even adding 10 extra minutes to your workout routine (maybe this one’s a stretch) … try to make your day special by creating little memories and milestones by yourself. And who knows, maybe once you become comfortable with tiny changes in your routine, you’ll start aiming for bigger lifestyle adaptations in order to reach your greatest potential yet.
- Reflect
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Yes, we’ve heard it a million times before: “self-reflection leads to self-awareness”… check out my article, My Philosophy for Spring Cleaning: Resolutions, Ruminations, and Release, where I talk about self-reflection. However, I don’t mind being redundant in arguing how critical reflection takes place after a lot of time spent alone. Not that I’m an expert by any means, but I’ve discovered that I’ve become more level-headed, rational, and articulate after spending time alone to reflect. This past year has been nothing short of chaos due to the pandemic, from the leaps in social activism to the disturbing number of accounts of racism and intolerance that we hear about on the daily. I believe that reflecting on the events of this year in our own time is actually more helpful than harmful for personal growth. Look I hear you, reflection can be stressful and often painful for many, as it can resurface unwanted emotions and difficult thoughts and feelings. However, once we address negativity buried deep within our psyche, we as individuals can learn about human nature, and perhaps rationalize our emotions. Once we manage our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in our own time, by ourselves, with no distractions, I believe we become stronger people.
One day when this pandemic is over, you’ll probably gasp at any sight of a mask. Your ears might burst if you hear someone utter the words “social distance.” Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Pfizer might eventually just be the names of common brands rather than names of vaccination manufacturers. And finally, after all the time you’ll be spending with loved ones around you, you might actually crave a little bit of self-isolation.