What Justifies Setting Aside Extra Time for Yourself?

By nature, humans are social beings. To survive as a species, humans depend on one another. For this reason, it was not unusual that we suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, you are restricted to working alone from home, and even though there are occasionally virtual meetings, they differ from attending in person. You can no longer go to the office and socialize with your coworkers.

Furthermore, you cannot spend your free time with your family and friends unless they reside nearby; instead, you spend most of your time alone these days.

According to researcher Dr. Daisy Fancourt, "There is a growing body of evidence that links loneliness and isolation to a variety of diseases and premature death." This lifestyle is detrimental to one's physical and mental well-being. Fancourt claims that social isolation causes obesity, heart disease, and psychological problems like anxiety and depression. It also deteriorates cognitive function and even results in dementia.

A Wharton School of Business study found that the primary reason why loneliness impairs performance at work is that "people who feel lonely decline their actual commitment to their companies."

Benefits of setting aside time for yourself

However, there are also a lot of advantages to some loneliness, and the following are some of the benefits of taking time for yourself:

1. Relieve anxiety

According to a 2017 study carried out as part of the Solitude Project, people who make an effort to spend time alone find that they are more relaxed and have lower stress levels. The reason is that trying to please other people is one of the core causes of anxiety, but when we are by ourselves, we can unwind and do as we please. Furthermore, we favor more calming pursuits like reading, meditation, and hands-on hobbies when we are by ourselves. If you are not required to share your schedule with anyone, you will also experience a high level of comfort.

2. Allow for reflection and self-discovery

"Choosing and developing a sense of loneliness may help you develop yourself, your sense of self, and your interests," says speech-language pathologist Angela Grice in a New York Times article. That is because being alone gives you the chance to reflect and discover who you are away from the influence of others. The best thing about the situation is that without these outside influences, you will have a greater sense of calm and reassurance from within, so you will express yourself more honestly and confidently.

3. Brain activation

Psychologist and writer Sherrie Bourg Carter explains: “Your brain cannot rest and recharge if you are constantly busy at work; when you are alone without anything to distract you, you get to clear your mind and focus and think clearly.” In short, this is your opportunity to “refresh your body and mind simultaneously.”

4. Promote empathy

Writer and psychotherapist Amy Morin explains that when you spend all your time with the same friends and coworkers, you start to think less highly of people whose opinions differ. You can grow empathy for those outside of your "close circle" by spending time alone. That is helpful because empathy is one of the most crucial traits of a successful leader. After all, it fosters the development of cohesive, devoted, and productive teams and increases cooperation and happiness.

5. Increased productivity

According to research, isolation has been linked to increased productivity and focus. That is understandable since the proportion of interruptions and distractions we experience drops when we work alone. However, striking a balance is the primary goal here. For instance, block out a few hours of your schedule to work alone when you need to concentrate on a crucial task. Afterward, bring back familiarity and combat workplace loneliness by organizing a brainstorming session or having lunch with your coworkers.

6. Strengthening relationships

During a survey of 2,000 Americans, 85% of respondents said that finding time for oneself is essential to having healthy relationships. Additionally, 82% of respondents stated that spending time alone improves relationships because it allows us to take care of ourselves and evaluate ourselves honestly, which helps us accept who we are. Furthermore, taking time apart from your significant other inspires you to follow your interests, and when you reunite, you'll each have fresh insights and life experiences to offer the other.

7. Encourage the practice of gratitude

When you have some free time, you are more likely to cultivate gratitude through journaling, writing thank-you notes, or meditation. These pursuits boost our motivation, deepen our relationships, and make us happier.

8. Sparking creativity

Researchers at SUNY Buffalo discovered that individuals who prefer solitude tend to be more creative than others. The study's lead author, Julie Bowker, an assistant professor in the University of Buffalo (UB) Department of Psychology, clarifies, "These people are not introverts. While they do not initiate interaction with others, they do not reject social invitations."

"They interact enough with their peers that they enjoy their isolation, get to think creatively, and develop their ideas like an artist in their studio or a researcher in their office," Booker continues.

9. Mental capacity enhancement

Even though humans are social creatures, it is good for our mental health to distance ourselves from others occasionally. According to research, people who schedule time for themselves tend to be happier and experience less stress. Besides, they are content with their lives. Additionally, isolation encourages you to work through issues independently and helps you bolster your coping mechanisms.

10. Opportunity to plan

Take a moment to look at your calendar. How much time have you allotted for family gatherings, meetings, and project deadlines? That is undoubtedly a significant part of your life, but you also must take care of yourself. Don't feel selfish for doing this. You must spend time alone to plan your goals, focus on your dreams, and monitor your progress. That will ensure a meaningful and purposeful life for you.

How do you make more time for yourself?

Contrary to popular belief, spending time alone does not always entail spending a few weeks alone in a cabin. You don't even need to be alone to enjoy your own time. You can engage in an activity you like, such as watching a movie with your partner on the couch, taking a walk with a friend during your break, or engaging in any creative activity with your coworkers.

However, you should also schedule time for yourself. So, you can read a book, practice meditation, write in your journal, or just sit quietly and do nothing.

The next challenge is fitting in personal time with your hectic schedule. That can be done in a few different ways. For instance, you can get up earlier than usual to enjoy the peaceful environment at home alone, arrange specific times at work to concentrate on your priorities without distractions, take breaks outside the office, and occasionally switch off your phone to give your mind a little mental rest.

The idea here is that you won't have time to yourself unless you make an effort. Even if it's just for five minutes, you should make it a priority and schedule time for it just like you would any other important event.