Menu: Parenting
During my children’s winter break, I found myself frantically picking up jackets strewn across the floor. A wave of frustration washed over me, but I couldn’t pinpoint its source. I was on the verge of unleashing my pent-up anger on my kids, who were simply lounging on the couch, engrossed in a movie. The sight of those jackets and the sound of the TV sent me into a spiral, yet I couldn’t understand why.
I had been anticipating this break for weeks. In my mind, I pictured late nights, fewer errands, movie outings, lunch dates, and baking sessions. I imagined cozy afternoons filled with popcorn and face masks, culminating in a road trip. Instead, I found myself feeling anything but serene. I was frustrated with myself for being irritated over trivial matters — my kids were only enjoying their time, and the TV was merely background noise.
Retreating to the bathroom, I sat down and tried to regain my composure. Then it struck me: it had been nearly ten days since I had any time alone, except for the brief moments I spent in the shower. I had neglected my nightly reading ritual, exhausted from staying up late with my kids. My mornings, which I used to savor as time for reflection and planning, had become rushed and chaotic.
I know myself well enough to recognize that I need moments of solitude to recharge, even if it’s just for an hour every few days. There are periods when I mistakenly believe I don’t need quiet time or that I can forgo my thoughts, but I always end up realizing how vital it is. When I start getting annoyed with my kids for no apparent reason, it’s essential to address the underlying issue.
An article from Power Of Positivity emphasizes the importance of solitude for our mental health, yet many of us fail to carve out that time. We often confuse loneliness with being alone; however, these concepts are vastly different. The article explains that “loneliness is a painful feeling stemming from not knowing how to enjoy one’s own company, while being alone is simply a state of existence, neither positive nor negative.”
For some, learning to enjoy solitude without distractions can be challenging, but it’s something we all need. That afternoon, my mind craved a break from the chaos, yet I pushed through until I almost exploded over a mere jacket.
Taking a few minutes alone in the bathroom was a small salvation. Of course, we need more than that, and the Power of Positivity suggests that our alone time should be spent on “creative, restorative activities.” Regardless of how we feel about solitude (some of us dread it, while others embrace it), scrolling through our phones or watching TV doesn’t give us the chance to be alone with our thoughts, which is what we truly need.
As parents, we often take whatever downtime we can get. Some days, we long for a lazy day in bed or an afternoon to indulge in messy creativity in the kitchen, but that’s not always feasible. Even a little alone time can be transformative. So, put down your phone, turn off the TV, and reconnect with yourself — your mind craves it.
In this fast-paced world, we often jump from one task to another, and when we finally have free time, we fill it with social media or binge-watching shows. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, experts argue that genuine resetting occurs only when we engage in activities devoid of distractions.
It’s daunting to confront thoughts we’d rather avoid, yet I know I’m a better person when I take the time to recharge without the interference of devices or household chores. Although it can be tempting to think that there’s always something that requires our attention, carving out time for activities like yoga, meditation, drawing, or painting yields significant benefits.
We become better moms and better individuals. No one enjoys losing their cool over trivial matters, nor does anyone want to feel isolated or disconnected from themselves. Dedicating just an hour or two a week to activities that bring us joy — without prioritizing anyone else’s needs — can lead to a healthier mindset, and that positivity is contagious.
So, the next time you feel irritable or recognize your yearning for some alone time but hesitate due to guilt, don’t. Remember, science supports the notion that you need solitude for your well-being, so embrace that time and enjoy the benefits. Otherwise, you might just find yourself snapping at your kids over a trivial jacket on the floor.
For further insights on the significance of solitude, check out this informative piece on infertility and consider exploring this resource for more on personal care. Also, Make A Mom provides excellent guidance on navigating your fertility journey.
Summary:
Finding time for oneself is crucial for maintaining mental health, especially for parents. Moments of solitude allow individuals to recharge, reflect, and engage in restorative activities. It’s essential to differentiate between being alone and feeling lonely. By recognizing the importance of personal time, parents can prevent irritability and create a more positive home environment.