Have you ever stopped and thought, I need an hour (or several) to regain emotionally, physically, psychologically, and my spiritual sanity? Alone time could be 15 minutes or an hour; it’s up to you to create that opportunity. Do this on a regular basis and begin to find some time routines that, in the end, everyone will appreciate. And remember, it’s your time; use it however you wish, experiment, and figure out which strategies work best for you.
Here are 5 creative ways to find your ALONE TIME
1. Ask for support
Ask your partner, a family member, or a friend, to step in on a regular basis to give you a scheduled time of alone time. Make it a small request, scheduling 1 day a week for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. First up
Be the first in your household to get up every morning. Use that time to take a walk or work out. Starting the day for yourself helps you set the tone for the day or allows you to plan activities that help keep the kids busy. Regardless of how you spend that time, those first morning moments are yours!
3. Various moments throughout the day
Be deliberate about taking several 5 minute alone times throughout the day. Take a break in the bedroom or the car, absorb yourself in soothing music, or focus on your breathing.
Set the kids up with a safe indoor activity and take a moment to enjoy a solo-lunch while the kids relish in their playtime. Go outside and sit on the porch or patio and rock or swing to soak up a few moments of Vitamin D from the sun. Read a spiritual or self-encouraging phrase to help lift your spirits. These are just a few examples of finding moments of alone time to help you reignite your energy and attitude.
4. Share the load
Take an every-other-night approach to the bedtime routine with your partner. This time will allow you to have several evenings to yourself a week. Take a hot soak, or go out with some girlfriends, or attend a regular work out class. Knowing that the alternate evenings are yours to spend as you would like is therapeutic emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically.
If you are a single parent, ask the kids to take turns putting each other to bed. Make it fun and give them the privilege to tuck each other in. The first few efforts may be a little silly, but they will get the hang of it. Take those few free moments to enjoy some alone time before going in and finalizing bedtime tuck-in.
5. Institute quiet time as soon as your kids are too old for naps
As the kids transition away from naps, institute quiet times. Establish quiet time rules and a specific time period. Place a timer, or hour glass so the kids know when it is OK to ‘wake-up’ from quiet time. This rule still offers you a few moments of alone time and encourages the kids to rest and reset as well.
Nurture your health and well-being by starting your everyday habits of finding your alone time.