13 Things Mentally Strong People Don\'t Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success pdfdrive com

SCHEDULE A DATE WITH YOURSELF
The key to making alone time helpful is that it has to be a choice. Elderly people
who live alone and are rather isolated from society, for example, are more likely
to feel lonely and less likely to benefit from solitude. But for people who live
busy lives that include lots of social interaction, scheduling some alone time can
provide an opportunity for rest and renewal. If you feel uncomfortable with the

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idea of spending time alone, the key is to create positive experiences with
solitude. In addition to squeezing in a few minutes of alone time every day,
schedule a date with yourself at least once a month.
By referring to it as a “date” it can remind you that you’re choosing to do
something on your own, not because you lack social relationships, but because
it’s a healthy thing to do. A 2011 research study titled “An Exercise to Teach the
Psychological Benefits of Solitude: The Date with the Self” found that the vast
majority of people who scheduled a date alone experienced calmness and
serenity. They enjoyed the freedom to do whatever they wanted without any
social constraints or expectations. The few participants who didn’t find the
experience enjoyable weren’t yet comfortable being alone. However, increasing
their exposure to alone time may help make it a more enjoyable activity for them
in the future.
While fishing in a boat in the middle of a lake may offer one person a peaceful
and rejuvenating experience, many other people would find the exercise to be
dreadful. If you despise something, you aren’t likely to keep it up long term. It’s
best to find some solitary activities that you enjoy so you can work them into
your routine.
If you appreciate nature, consider spending time in the woods. If you love a
good meal, go to a restaurant of your choice. You don’t have to stay home to
appreciate solitude. Instead, choose to do something that you may not normally
do when you’re with people. Just make sure you don’t bury your nose in a book
or spend the time text messaging someone. The point of a date with yourself is to
be alone with your thoughts.