Solitude unlike loneliness is healthy and necessary to your well-being. Loneliness is when you feel separated from everybody. Solitude is when you are connected deeply to yourself. This connectivity reboots not only your patience and attentiveness, but also your focus and creativity. Balance is restored during times of solitude as stress is replaced with relaxation. Perspective is clarified, enabling you to become a better problem solver. The key is to not wait until you are so burned-out you cannot function. You still need energy to be inspired by innovative ideas and solutions.
Sometimes people avoid solitude because they do not want to face what is really going on in their lives. They keep themselves busy every waking moment so their mind is always occupied. It can be uncomfortable to slow done enough to really examine your life, but the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. The hardest part of practicing daily solitude is getting started. Here are some tips to get you started on the journey:
Be Alone. Be Quiet. Be Still. A quiet walk or gardening without music or television are great ideas for solitude. Just make sure to spend at least a few minutes not doing anything to allow your thoughts to wonder.
Plan It. Your kids and significant other will quickly realize the benefit of allowing you uninterrupted solitude.
Prioritize It. See your ten minutes of solitude a day as a necessity- like showering, working-out, and eating healthy food. You are more likely to skip it if you see it as a luxury instead of part of a health benefit to your well-being.
If you want to refuel and energize your life make solitude a ritual part of your day.
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