Such a time it is, to be solo. Alone. Many of us that are enduring these difficult times are limited to the outdoors. If you are one of the few, who are not limited and may go out into the world, then please do. We cannot. Instead of enjoying the spring sun and its full bloom, we have to shelter-in for the sake of others. Being alone inside a house, all day long can take its toll on you. Depressing you into the matter of isolating yourself from others: your neighbors, colleagues, friends, even family. It can restrict you from attending daily gatherings of friends, going to work, going on your morning hike or run. There are lots of things we are missing out on. However, being alone inside a house doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be boring. It can be fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Do you remember what it felt like to read Dr. Seuss, growing up? The adventures he took you on. Nothing was impossible, with the imagination little you and Dr. Seuss had. Since growing up, reading may not be on your list of favorite things to do. However, given that you have the time, I highly recommend you pick up a book and read. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Dr. Seuss or a children’s book. It could be anything. To name a few, Stephen King, F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, Jane Austin, or Stephanie Garber. It could even be Seth Graham-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. A little reading never hurt anyone. If anything, it enthralled people who were stuck in a dull moment. Don’t allow your solo time to be dull. Liven it up and engross yourself in a good book!
When we are constantly surrounded by others: colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family, our attention is rarely on ourselves. Instead, it is on the others. Whether it be that a colleague is having marriage issues, or some friends of yours are trying to get into college but are lacking the funds. No matter the situation, your attention is on them and helping them improve themselves and their situation. What about you? Now that you have some time on your hands, use it to improve yourself. Whether it be doing at-home workouts, meditating, journaling, doing some yoga, or lighting a candle, pouring yourself a glass of wine, and relieving yourself of your worries in a hot bubble bath. There will always be time to help others improve. Take advantage of your solo time and focus on you.
Sunbathing is a common activity we forget about when it comes to being alone and enjoying ourselves. No person does not like to sunbathe. Even the ones who burn easier than a hamburger on a grill like to sunbathe. Granted, they just do it with layers of sunblock on. With the sun out and time to kill, set up a chair or a towel and plop yourself on it, where you can soak up all the sun has to offer. Heck. Why not throw in a nice glass of an iced beverage? Tell me that doesn’t sound like a good way to spend your solo time.
Okay. Now I know we can all have our great deal of busy schedules. Whether we do it purposely by trying to cram everything into our day-to-day days, or not. Again, we all have our fair share of busy schedules. Typically, that is the number one reason why we have to hold off on watching certain series’ or catching a movie that we have been dying to see. So, why not watch them now? It’s not like you can’t say you don’t have the time to.
This may be the obvious route to many, but to some, it may not. While you have some time for yourself, take a break from the busy schedule life, why not use it to relax? If not a simpler way to use up your solo time, let me know. Otherwise, take the opportunity and soak up all the relaxation you can. Whether it be sleeping in until noon, lounging on the couch all day in your pajamas, or cuddling with your dog and watching Star Wars. Whatever it is you do to relax, do it. You never when the next time will be when you will have this much time on your hands again.
Now, I know that this may not be an obvious way to kill your time, but it does do the job, and make you feel good. As I have been telling you, throughout this article, to take advantage of your solo time and use it for yourself. I’m not saying to, especially this far into the article. However, I am saying that there is another way to use it, aside from enjoying the simple life. Cleaning. Reorganizing. Doing what you love. Take advantage of this time and clean out your closet, Pinterest board, email. Reorganize your room, kitchen, bookshelf, documents, and pictures on your computer. You know, all the fun stuff. However, if there is one thing, I encourage you to do, to use this time by doing what you love. It could be reading, writing, painting, drawing, cooking, cleaning, baking, sewing. The list can go on.
Lastly, to best enjoy your solo time make sure you get some fresh air. Go for a walk, a run, watch the sunset, or just sit in the backyard and bask in the sun. You can bring your dog with you too. Breathe in the fresh air and release all your cares and worries. Just enjoy the moment. Time will pass by faster than expected, but it will not go wasted. Enjoy it.
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