Embracing your time alone is good for the mind, soul and heart. Solitude is a great way to recharge your internal batteries. The world can often be busy and chaotic, we can be running from one place to another and not really taking concentrated time to be quiet; to just sit and breathe.
Research has shown that quiet-time relieves stress, tension and helps to boost a person’s mental state. Too much time alone can have an opposite effect, however, on a day-to-day basis when life is full of schedules, deadlines, places to be, things to do, it’s very important to find time to be and relish in quiet.
As a parent, I understand the limited ‘quiet time’ available, however, I have to ensure I do have quiet time, whether this is just 5-10 minutes before bed, or before the craziness starts on a morning, but I know it makes me a better parent. I know it gives me time to focus, re-adjust and feel gratitude.
Researchers have said that meditation is so important, however, many people find it hard to connect with their inner selves. There are many meditation downloads you can choose from that will help you find your inner peace, however, if you prefer to be a bit more active here are 5 ways to enjoy some quiet time and switch off from your hectic world:
1. Bath with candles – either quietly or listening to some soft music
I love baths. A hot soak with bubbles, candles and some soft music can be just the thing to soothe the soul. Being mum, it isn’t always possible to have a bath without the interruptions of children. If you have children who go to bed and sleep, that’s awesome, ‘us mums’ who didn’t succeed in that department praise you. However, those who have children who don’t sleep, need to find their quiet time, dare I say, probably even more so …
I’ve known myself to get in the bath at 1.am and onwards … just to feel the soak of the water and relax from a hectic day. I find water relaxing, although, I’m not a lover of swimming I still like to chill in the pool, and my family does like to swim, so we got the best variable speed pool pump to keep our pool clean. I love stepping into the heat of the bath and just knowing that calmness surrounds me. I can’t use my laptop in the bath, I can’t run errands, I can’t be sorting the house out. It stops you from doing the tasks that can feel mundane and can relax your mind so that you can recharge and feel in control again.
2. Go walking
Credit: Image by pixel2013 on Pixabay
By going out walking, we all know it’s a great way to keep fit and healthy, but this is a great way to also find your quiet.
I reiterate this throughout my blog posts, walking in the fresh air is a natural and free way to lift your mood. Research has shown that exposing ourselves to fresh air can relieve stress and anxiety. It can affect the serotonin levels released in our bodies, which then leads to feeling happy and relaxed.
So whether you walk in silence, or with your headphones on, you will feel immensely better after. You can listen to music or, like myself, listen to an audiobook (I use audible, I absolutely love it, a fab product if you love listening to stories).
3. Read
This is another of my favourites. I love reading all kinds of books, from losing myself in someone else’s fictional drama, learning more about the world of spirituality to being inspired by others who have achieved their goals. Whatever your hobbies and interest, you will find a book that will grab your attention.
4. Jigsaw Puzzles
There have been several studies to show that jigsaws are great for improving both mindfulness and brain activity. You can see more about this on Memory Jogging Puzzles.
Jigsaws have been around for centuries, so it’s not something new, but it may be something that someone hasn’t thought to partake in. Especially in the hustle and bustle of adulthood, the last thing we may consider doing is sitting down to put together a jigsaw.
We all know the world is now full of technology; phones, i-pads, tablets etc. but that isn’t finding our quiet time. Set-up a place in your house; kitchen, bedroom, office etc. where you know you can sit down, focus on a jigsaw and relish in some quiet time.
5. Colour Therapy
Credit: Manda Group
Colouring has always been popular for children, but when the colouring books came out for adults, I was in my element. I would colour with my girls when they were younger and found it so relaxing. Therefore having our own designs that are created especially for relaxation, I believe, is just one of the best ideas ever.
Natural Health Courses Website say … colour is just light of varying wavelengths and frequencies. Electromagnetic waves constantly surround us, and colour is part of those waves. Every single cell in the body needs light energy. Our cells absorb colour, and this affects us on every level, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
As above, when doing a jigsaw, find a quiet place to sit, chill and colour.
Why not visit my previous blog post on
‘ The Key to a Peaceful Life is a Quiet Mind’
and have a go at the therapeutic writing exercise
