A lot of people struggle to balance alone time and socialising. Maybe you can relate. When you go out, you feel like you should be at home. When you’re at home, you feel like you should be out.
As much as we feel we now need to be out and about (after the last few strange weeks); remember that alone time allows you to reflect and recharge your social batteries. You need alone time like you need air, but it’s also essential to get the warmth of human affection, and the stimulation of conversation.
So, how do you strike the right balance? There are some ways to make things easier to help find your social wellness equilibrium.
Prioritise social events that energise you
Not all social activities are created equal. Prioritise the activities that feel easy and exciting to you. For us, that means choosing social activities that align with our passions and values: nutrition, small business and wine tastings (just being honest). What type of events energise you?
Make your alone time count
A lot of people feel guilty about staying at home – even after our recent extended home-stays. It’s not a crime to rest and reflect. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is restore yourself in solitude. This will allow you to be sharp and present when you do emerge to socialise again.
Just because you’re alone, doesn’t mean that you’re genuinely restoring yourself. Make the most of your alone time by doing rejuvenating activities, like meditation, yoga, a hot bath or reading. Try not to spend all your alone time with your phone – it’s an easy routine to fall into, but every notification and message is taking away that time with the most important person here – you.
Just because you’re alone, doesn’t mean that you’re genuinely restoring yourself. Make the most of your alone time by doing rejuvenating activities, like meditation, yoga, a hot bath or reading. Try not to spend all your alone time with your phone – it’s an easy routine to fall into, but every notification and message is taking away that time with the most important person here – you.
Have weekly social activities that you look forward to
As much as alone time is great – try to avoid that merging with being lonely. A way to prevent loneliness from sneaking in is to have weekly social activities that you can count on no matter what. Here are some ideas:
- Recreational sports
- Bookclub
- Watching your favourite show with friends (with some healthy snacks)
- Sunday dinner with family or friends
- Biking, hiking, or walking groups
- Movie night with friends
Under commit
We live in a culture that celebrates being overcommitted. Being busy means that you’re essential and productive. But for some, it can be a tricky mindset. It may lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy. Instead of overcommitting, schedule in LESS than what you think you can handle, and then use the other time on your hands to do something to help your personal growth, like going for a bush walk, trying a new recipe – or start writing that novel!
