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| Is it time to pencil in some me time? |
| Some people feel energized by socializing or running around nonstop … and I’m jealous of them. Other folks, like me, need downtime in order to recharge their batteries. Whenever I crave a break and don’t get one for a while, it’s only a matter of time until I experience symptoms of burnout.️ |
| Potential negative health effects aside, I believe it’s important to spend time alone! Being by yourself can serve as an opportunity for self-reflection, emotional regulation, fun, or simply to chill out.️️ |
| Here are some signs of psychological stress that may signal you need some alone time:️️ |
- You’re losing your temper over little things.
- You become irritated at everything your boss, friends, or partner says.
- You’re exhausted, even after getting a full night’s sleep.
- Things either feel boring or too much to handle.
- You’re frequently rushing from place to place.
- You feel constantly stressed.
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| Keep in mind: These can also happen from other things going on in your life. Only you can know when your battery is drained. Not sure how to tell? Try journaling every day to keep track of your mood, or talk with a therapist to work on boosting your self-awareness.️️️ |
| I fully recognize that some people, like parents or caregivers, may not be able to score even 15 minutes to themselves during the day. I live with a child, so, trust me, I get it. If you feel guilty just *thinking* about needing a break, remember that you deserve it! Your well-being may actually depend on it.️️ |
| However, if you’re able to score some solitude, a little truly goes a long way. If you need help figuring out how to make it happen, here are some ideas to consider:️️ |
- Wake up 20 minutes before your usual alarm to soak up extra time in bed or enjoy your morning coffee.
- Sit in your car a few minutes longer after running errands or getting home from work.
- Be honest with your partner about your needs, and work to find a balance between spending time together and apart.
- Stay awake after your family is asleep to watch a show, read, or meditate on the couch.
- Ask for help! Lean on your loved ones to support you while you take time to support yourself.
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