Sometimes we work so hard to stay connected to others that we lose the value of spending time alone. For some, being uncomfortable with being alone can lead to feverish or exhausting attempts to seek out the companionship of others. Social interaction is important for us, but so is having time to ourselves. Try some of these strategies to make sure you are taking care of yourself.

Make Time - One of the first barriers that often keeps us from having time for ourselves is our either real or percieved lack of time. Decide that this is a priority and make it a point to schedule some time for yourself. Once a day, week, month? What works for you?

Pursue Your Unique Interests - Is there something you have wanted to do for a long time and never did because you never had anyone to share the interest with? Make the leap and start pursuing that interest on your own even though the people you know might not want to join you.

Simply Exist - If you're the kind of person that always tries to be doing something, it might be counterintuitive to think about stopping to relax or just for the sake of stopping. From time to time, it can be good to give youself permission to do absolutely nothing. Sleep the day away, sit outside, and let time pass.

Enjoy the Outdoors - You like it outside but don't get enough of it. Set a time and a place. Go to a park, stroll through nature, or drive through the country with the windows open. Set some time aside to spend outdoors and soak up what's around you.

Pamper Yourself - You knew this was coming. It's important to indulge from time to time. How do you like to pamper yourself? Whether you like the proverbial massage or like to go to the bakery an hour away from your house for that scone you can't get anywhere else, make a specific slot in your schedule to do something that celebrates you and brings you pleasure.

Self Reflect - Are there issues that you would like to think about that you have avoided or simply haven't had time to think about? Where are you in life? What are your goals? What do you want in life? Perhaps you are trying to find direction in your career or relationships with others. Outline what you want to think about and think on these issues. You may want to journal, write a list, brainstorm some ideas, or simply sit and think.

Ditch that iPhone - We are plugged into others through so many ways now. It can be refreshing to completely put yourself on radio silence. Turn off your cell phone. Stop checking your email and Facebook. Ignore the phone at home when it rings. Decide how long you will be shutting yourself off from communicating with the outside world. Make it a manageable period that you can realistically stick to and one that isn't so long that it will cause any problems in your life.

Make a New Twist on a Night In - You don't have to change where you go; you can simply change what you do. Stay home and make sure you spend some time doing things you will enjoy. If you have family at home, arrange a time that you can be home without them there. Decide ahead how you will spend your time and avoid the urge to settle into your usual routine once you are alone.

Fly Solo - Despite what you may be thinking, it IS okay to go out by yourself. Go to a movie or a museum, eat dinner, hit the driving range, or walk down a crowded street. Activities that you may often think of as things to do with others can often be just as rewarding by yourself. In fact, sometimes, you might find that they are more rewarding since you can focus purely on the activity.

RETURN to "Articles" page.

Please note that we are transitioning to www.RadzomCounseling.com and now have additional counselors.