If you’re a mother, especially one who spends most of their time at home, while you might have your fair share of responsibilities, you are also likely to find yourself with no small amount of alone time. It’s easy for a person to go stir-crazy when left alone with nothing to do for too long, especially as your kids get old enough to spend the day at school. However, there are ways to meaningfully spend your time alone than simply throw yourself into nothing but housework. Here are a few that can feel particularly rewarding.
Get into reading
Long-time readers likely already know this, but there are few better ways to enjoy peace than to break into a book. Simply put, most of us spend a lot of time surrounded by noise and screens, so being able to put it all away and hold a real book in your hands, is an excellent way to keep the brain sharp, engage your vocabulary, and gain new perspectives, whether from nonfiction and biographies or exploring new worlds through fiction. Plus, book clubs can offer you an excellent way to connect with others who might share a very similar lifestyle to yours. Many readers tend to be people who want to find meaningful ways to spend the alone time they have.
Close your eyes and breathe
To those who have never done it before, it’s understandable that meditation might sound like something a little awkward, perhaps even unnatural. It can take time to get used to the practice of sitting, closing your eyes, and trying to focus on the moment. There are great guided meditation apps that can help you get used to it however and, once you do, you will find that it’s an excellent way to get some space from the thoughts that might dominate your thoughts all day. It can help you experience a measure of true peace, and once you find that, you might be surprised just how busy your thoughts are otherwise. It’s the perfect tool for helping you de-stress and reset your perspective.
Fill in a crossword
There’s nothing like a good brain teaser to not only help you pass the time but also ensure that you’re keeping your memory sharp. Working to ensure your cognitive health is vital, especially as we’re getting a little older. As such, crosswords provide an excellent avenue to do just that. Not only are you taking the time to solve a problem, but you’re engaging the language center of your brain to pull out words that perhaps you haven’t used in a while. Not only can it improve your vocabulary, but it also helps build bridges by making you think about and recall words in ways that are out of the box. There are plenty of online crosswords that you can spend your time with, finding the difficulty level that matches your needs.
Play a numbers game
Crosswords are great, but if you’re looking for a little variety, there are plenty of other pen-and-paper puzzle games that can be well worth your time. Sudoku is another one that can be a lot of fun. This game involves placing the numbers, from 1 to 9, on a grid. However, you have to make sure that the same number is nowhere else in the same row, column, or smaller square as where you put it. It’s easy to play Sudoku on your phone or laptop, too and doesn’t require as much typing as crosswords. It helps improve your puzzle-solving and memory abilities, as well, since you have to pay attention to patterns and past number placements.
Get crafty with it
Participating in arts and crafts is an excellent way to express your creativity and keep your mind engaged. You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy drawing, painting, knitting, or crafting. These activities can be extremely relaxing and satisfying. Try out various mediums and materials, watch online tutorials, or enroll in virtual classes to learn new techniques. Creating something with your own hands not only gives you a sense of achievement but also provides unique handmade items for your home or as gifts for loved ones. There is no shortage of different arts and crafts that you can try out, from knitting to crochet to papercraft and beyond.
Get up and move
Exercising at home is a highly rewarding way to spend time alone. It provides an opportunity to focus on personal health and well-being, away from external distractions. Engaging in activities such as yoga, Pilates, or strength training not only enhances physical fitness but also boosts mental clarity and reduces stress. The solitude allows for introspection and mindfulness, making each workout a form of self-care. With a variety of online classes and fitness apps available, it’s easy to find routines that suit your preferences and goals. Exercising alone at home fosters self-discipline, creates a sense of accomplishment, and contributes to a balanced lifestyle. It’s a powerful way to invest in yourself and improve both your physical and mental health.
Grow some green thumbs
Gardening is a delightful and rewarding hobby with many benefits. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, soak up some sunshine, and get a bit of exercise. Tending to plants can be incredibly relaxing and helps reduce stress, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Watching your garden grow brings a great sense of accomplishment and joy. Plus, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs means you get fresh, delicious produce right at your doorstep. Gardening also helps improve air quality and supports local wildlife, like bees and butterflies. Whether you have a large backyard or just a few pots on a balcony, gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enhance your well-being.
It’s entirely possible to contribute to building a well-rounded life with the alone time that you currently have. Consider making a little more time for the practices mentioned above and see if they don’t lead to real lifestyle improvements.
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