People Who Need A Lot Of Alone Time To Function Usually Keep 8 Simple Daily Habits
Kues | Shutterstock I value my time with friends and family, but I’m the type of person who needs a lot of alone time to unwind. This isn’t uncommon in our digital age where we are available to everyone in our lives 24 hours a day.
The people who successfully prioritize alone time (without self-isolating, which can also be tempting) keep a few simple habits that help them maintain a healthy balance.
People who need a lot of time alone in order to function usually keep up eight simple habits:
1. They set aside days without screen time
Admit it, you’re always glued to your phone. It’s okay, because I am, too. In many ways, it’s our lifeline. It keeps us connected to the people in our lives while also giving us access to what’s going on in the world within seconds of it happening.
However, people who value alone time may not enjoy others having access to them 24/7. Constant conversations and social media can be exhausting, as can hearing bad news at every turn.
While some people may find that taking full days without any screen time (or keeping it very limited) to be beeficial, resarch done at Harvard found that taking even 30-60 minute breaks from screens can help us reset.
2. They start their mornings in silence
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Silence gives us time to be reflective, even if it's uncomfortable to get used to at first. When we keep ourselves busy, we can avoid dealing with our feelings (intentionally or not).
People who struggle with constant overstimulation and require alone time often find comfort in easing into the day with a period of screen-free silence. Instead of jumping straight into checking their text messages or chatting with their partner, they use this time to reset, drink coffee or tea, and prepare for the day.
Quiet solitude greatly impacts our mental and even brain health. Maybe a little time alone every morning is something we all practice, introverts or not.
3. They often take long walks to unwind
A long day can suck the life out of us. Whether it’s constant problems at work or drama with our friends, it's not easy to be constantly stimulated. For some, this can be especially overwhelming. They need time to focus on themselves. Without it, they struggle to function. Walking outside gives them that alone time and allows them to connect with the world around them.
Walking has several mental health benefits, including increasing blood flow and focus. Taking a stroll might be the perfect way for some people to relax in much-needed silence.
4. They spend time with animals
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I know this can’t just be a me thing. Hanging out with my pets completely calms me. I don’t think I could function without the daily alone time I spend with them on the couch. It’s like my personal meditation and I leave the time with my pets feeling refreshed.
As it turns out, psychology agrees with me. Time with pets is a great stress reliever. It helps lower our heart rates and provides comfort during times of anxiety. Plus, you can tell them all your problems, and they won’t judge you. Well, they definitely do judge; they just can’t say their thoughts out loud, which is a good thing.
5. They prioritize their nighttime routine
People who need a lot of alone time need to prioritize unwinding. At the end of the day, they need to let go of everything that brought them stress during the day. Sometimes, it’s as simple as turning off the TV and distancing themselves from the world around them. Other people may like to settle down with a good book or listen to their favorite music. Some may journal and do a skincare routine.
Often, this type of person keeps a routine not only to help them relax before bed, but also to appreciate the time they have with themselves. They take unwinding seriously. We may not realize how much our pre-sleep behavior benefits how we fall and stay asleep. People who love alone time know they need peace and quiet to have restful sleep.
6. They take some serious socialization breaks
No matter how introverted someone is, they can’t avoid people forever. They need to socialize as much as the next person, and practicing can help them enjoy it more. However, how they approach these moments can be completely different than others.
If they want to spend time with people, they may prioritize time for themselves in between. Social exhaustion can cause burnout, and instead, they focus on doing whatever they can to set themselves up for success.
I’m definitely this way. If a friend wants to hang out after work, I make sure to schedule a gap between the two. I need to sit down and do something for myself in silence before I jump into the next big social event.
7. They’ve learned how to say ‘no’
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The first thing people who need a lot of alone time need to master is the art of saying ‘no.’ Often, we get caught up in doing what other people want. Instead of taking the alone time we need, we make ourselves overly available to others, which can not only burn us out but can also lead to long-standing resentment. It hurts relationships more than it helps, so it’s important to learn how to say ‘no’ when you need that time by yourself.
Saying 'no' prioritizes self-care. It’s not a sign that someone doesn’t care about other people. They simply know what they need to get the alone time they desperately need.
8. They schedule their off days
In the days of AOL Instant Messenger, you could set your status to say anything, but BRB (be right back) was one of the most used acronyms. It meant someone had stepped away from the computer and would be back when they were done with whatever they were up to.
This is how people who rely on alone time to function view their time. They schedule their breaks and days off from the world, but make sure everyone knows they’ll be back when they’ve had time to reset.
Taking days off from work is important, but it’s not the only way to take time off. Sometimes, it’s as simple as spending half the day alone without distraction or going on a day trip by themselves to relax. It doesn’t need to be huge stretches of time. Sometimes, having something on the calendar reminding them to take time for themselves can keep them motivated. Alone time makes them happier.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
