How to Let Go, Refresh & Renew by Spending Quality Time Alone

Spending quality time alone is essential. Alone with no outside distractions and no distractions from other people, we can think and be just for ourselves. It's a self-love practice.

When we make time to be alone, we have time to think, and to hear, and even discuss with that still, quiet inner voice. It's a give-and-take, listening and talking, asking questions; it’s an inside thing. You get to be all about you and not others. 

I have to do this periodically to tune in, slow down, and let go of anything that’s not necessary, as I tended to overdo things in the past. Scheduling alone time alleviates overwhelm and stress. You gain awareness that allows you to let go of less important things and get focused on your next steps and what brings you joy.

REST is an integral part of this practice

As you rest, you can let go. You have nothing to prove, nothing you have to do. You choose what you want to do because you are caring for yourself. 

It is good to ponder whether your needs are being met. What are your desires, dreams, and visions for your life now and your future?

This time alone might seem selfish to some, but it’s not. It’s imperative in this day and age of busyness, striving, worry, comparisons, competition, and financial fears. Let go of guilt because when you are at peace with yourself, others around you usually benefit. You cannot love others if you do not love yourself. Burnout and stress are the result.

TIME is also a part of this practice

While an hour here or there is always good, I also encourage unplugging for at least a day every week. I suggest taking some days, either 2, 3, or 4 days when possible.

Spending time in the beauty of nature is a powerful way to let go and connect. Consider going on a nature trek, renting a cottage on a lake, or going to the beach, completely unplugging from all computers and phones.

This might seem scary to some as they need distractions, and being alone with nothing to do doesn’t feel safe. I encourage you to look at why that is. Start in smaller increments and work on how to have a relationship with your higher power. Try to make some movement towards this connection and relationship. Try to let go of your fearful thoughts and be open to a higher perspective, a larger perspective. The more relaxed, safe, and confident you become in letting go of the busyness and being with yourself, the more you will feel satisfied in every aspect of your life. If it is hard for you to let go, I suggest you try EFT-Tapping to move the resistance, fear, anger, numbness, anxiety, or any emotion that might be keeping you stuck so that you can be more relaxed and present. Another powerful practice while letting go is journaling. It is a way to sort out your feelings, desires, and dreams. 

When you are rested and ready, a powerful exercise is to ask yourself some questions to meditate on. At times, it is helpful to look at your goals and where you are headed for the next few months, a year, and longer. Do you need to make adjustments? I encourage you to write any answers you get out in your journal. Writing them out by hand helps your brain remember and sparks your creativity. Using the keyboard can be as effective for some, but for this particular exercise, if you don't want to open your computer, maybe you can handwrite your answers. You can also do a voice recording if that helps. Write a few sentences or as much as you want for each question. 

1. Before you begin, take ten deep breaths, notice what's happening in your body, and try to release any tension.

2. Write three words about how you feel at the top of the page.

3. Choose a specific goal, feeling, emotion, part of you, or person.

How do I feel about  ……..........?

How does my body feel about ……............?

What's underneath this ........................?

What can I let go of to feel more fully alive, at peace, relaxed, energetic, etc., about this ................................?

What are the things that bring me joy, make me feel whole, and are easy for me to do (this is where your gifts and talents lie)  ..............................?

How can I bring more of that into my life ..........................?

In a perfect world, what would I like my next steps to be ...............................?

How can I be more loving and kind to myself (this is not selfish; when we are kind to ourselves, we can be kind to others) ............................?

You might have your own questions. That’s great. Maybe you are so tired that you just want to rest. Sometimes, we are so burned out that we can't even think straight, and we need to let go of the need to do anything. Allow your body to renew and refresh. Be aware of whether you are numbing out rather than letting go.

Your answers might be as simple as “to experience joy,” “change the way I run my business,” "change my job,” or “get out of this relationship.” It’s not about pleasing others or doing what you think you should. This is a time of rest, discovery, and nurturing for you. 

4. When you finish journaling, write down three words to express how you feel now.

During this Alone Time, try to switch off normal work activities and unplug from the computer. You might envision where your business or personal life will be in 5, 10, or 20 years; that’s fine, but switch off the day-to-day emails and to-dos, binge-watch streaming platforms, etc. Reading books might be a better option.

If you want to know more about letting go and finding more freedom, joy, and purpose, please get in touch with me. I help people all the time to do this easily and gently. I invite you to have a complimentary 20-minute consult call with me by clicking this link: "Book a Call." I'm happy to chat with you about my work, answer any questions you might have, and see if I can help you.

Love,