Self Care + Solitude Can Coexist
Self-Care for Those Who Prefer Solitude
Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve heard repeatedly that our social interactions are what will save us. While socialization is an important part of our lives, we don’t always want to share our most intimate moments with others. Sometimes, self-care means stepping away from our social circles. This is especially important for those of us who lean toward introversion and get more energy out of ourselves than we do in a crowd.
Today, the Revive Counseling Center blog takes a look at self-care when your goal is solitude.
Self-Care Ideas at Home
● Reading. Reading is one of the few things you can do that you can honestly say you need to do alone. Reading is a great self-care activity that can boost your intelligence, lower your stress levels, and if nothing else, it gives you the perfect excuse to turn off your device at night before bed.
● Learning. Learning shouldn’t end with the classroom; it should be something you strive to do on a regular basis. For example, sitting down with a book on a new subject can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Even watching videos on topics you’re unfamiliar with can scratch that education itch. Or, you can go all out and further your education; for instance, you can earn your degree online in education, business, or administration without leaving home. However you choose to do it, keep learning — you’ll be surprised by how satisfying it can feel to educate yourself on something new.
● Drawing. Drawing, painting, or otherwise creating art are excellent forms of self-care that allow you to express what you are thinking and feeling without words. Even if you don’t have any natural “talent,” all you need is practice, patience, and determination to turn a blank canvas into the thoughts that are swirling through your head.
● Exercising. Exercising is one of the purest forms of self-care, and you don’t have to join a group class to push yourself or stay accountable. End Of Three Fitness explains that you can reach your health and fitness goals without outside interference by learning how to benchmark yourself. Plus, there are many low-budget and no-budget exercise options you can explore around your home, many of which are suitable for people of all ages.
● Reflecting. Self-reflection is one thing we can do to get to know ourselves better. When you sit down and evaluate where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going, you have a unique opportunity to increase your personal self-awareness and to learn how to accept all of your beautiful flaws. Further, you’ll learn how to live with intention, which is something we all need in these hectic and chaotic times.
● Meditating. Meditation is also about mindfulness. With so much clutter in our lives, taking a moment to just relax and be with ourselves is a huge step toward understanding what we need. If you’ve never meditated before, you can join the Nourish Your Nature online meditation and group breathing practice from the comfort of home.
When Self-Care Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, no matter how much we take care of ourselves, we can get overwhelmed. If you find that this is the case, don’t be shy about reaching out to the team of Christian Counselors at Revive Counseling Center for help. As difficult as it can be to open up and let someone in, talking with a friend, family member, or therapist can really help. If you find that you can’t concentrate or you constantly feel overstimulated, confused, or anxious, getting what’s inside of you off your chest is a great way to take control of your emotions.
Self-care looks different for different people. While some may find that an all-day shopping trip is enough to help them break out of their personal rut, you may need more time alone with your own thoughts and feelings. The above tips are great self-care strategies when you don’t need the energy of a crowd to fuel your soul.