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How To Use Solitude To Get Your Creativity Flowing

When you’re a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a business professional, you need a constant feed of mental energy and acuity to help you solve problems and produce creative, innovative ideas. But when you hit a brick wall and your well of inspiration seems to run dry, where can you turn to get back into your creative flow? The answer is you need some alone time and self-care. Solitude can help you reduce stress and get your creativity flowing so that you can keep doing what you do best, at your best.

It’s difficult to find solitude when our lives are filled with people, tasks, jobs, deadlines, expectations and more which makes it tough to get time on your own. However, this quiet time isn’t just beneficial for your mind; solitude is good for your body too! People who spend time alone or away from social stimulation can produce higher levels of dopamine, serotonin and other neurochemicals that contribute to a sense of happiness. Researchers have also found that getting some “you time” reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

A hectic schedule that includes long hours sitting in front of a computer produces stress and anxiety. When you’re stressed or anxious about something it takes up valuable mental energy to try and solve that problem or keep worrying about it. This lack of focus contributes to low creativity levels and wasted time that will make you less productive daily. Spending some alone time allows you to clear away any clutter so that your mind is completely free to focus on your work without any distractions.

How Does Solitude Help Boost Your Creative Juices?

If you’re currently staring at your busy schedule and wondering why in the world you should carve out time to just be alone in all that chaos, you might be needing some proof that solitude is actually beneficial. Even though it might seem counterintuitive, there are benefits to having your own alone time in the middle of your busy schedule. According to a 2017 issue of the science journal Personality and Individual Differences, adults who choose to be unsociable (in other words, withdraw little or no social interaction) are more creative than normal adults.

Making some alone time has emotional health benefits, as well. In another study published in the same year in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, research showed that even just 15 minutes of solitude can reduce your stress and help you relax.

When you need to relax and recharge, solitude will unlock your creative potential and allow you to revive any lost passion for your work.

How To Make A Habit Out Of Making Alone Time Yourself

(It’s Not Actually That Hard)

Before you ask: no, there is never a completely perfect time for being alone, and you’ll only stress yourself out looking for it. Instead, check out these 3 simple tips on how to fit in some alone time into your busy schedule so it becomes integrated with your workflow ritual.

Tip #1: Get Up 15 Minutes Earlier In The Morning

To conserve your sleep and time, wake up 15 minutes earlier than normal. Waking up this early does not make such an impact that it will necessarily disturb your sleep cycle. You might even find that getting up 15 minutes early leaves you refreshed and completely ready to go! These early morning hours are prime time to give yourself a little alone time before the hustle and bustle of your day begins.

Tip #2: Eat Your Meals Alone

Meals are an overlooked source of alone time. We take twenty, thirty or even forty minutes to eat each meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are opportunities to take some time for yourself. Out on the porch or in another room of the house is a great way. Let yourself eat slowly and completely, savoring every bite, and let your thoughts flow freely. Just focus on eating; don’t think about anything else or the ten million problems that are bothering you. This is your chance to replenish your mind and body with new energy sources.

Tip #3: Give Yourself A Solitary Activity To Look Forward To

Find something you love to do and would look forward to doing. It may be painting, coloring, or reading – and make some time to do it every day. Alone. Getting rid of anything to do that isn’t necessary and doing something you enjoy every day will make remembering to squeeze it into your schedule less strenuous. Alone time doesn’t have to be difficult. When you plan and think about what activities make you happy – the less pressure it will feel like.

Solitude is a form of self-care that is important to practice daily. With the tips listed above, utilize this time to gain the physical and mental benefits that come from taking some quiet time for yourself.

Don’t get overwhelmed with all the things that have to be done. By getting up 15 minutes earlier and setting aside a solitary activity to do every day, you can find your own creative flow and re-energize yourself for a new day!

About the Author

Kree Pandey

Kree Pandey is a Content Strategist and Digital Marketer powering growth goals for brands with purpose. Founder and CEO of ShiftCreatives Digital® and Co-Founder of No Names Digital, Kree's work and passion collide at the intersection of 'Brand' and 'Impact'. After working with numerous clients across sectors like Real Estate, SaaS, Education, Retail, Finance, Sustainability, HR and many more, Kree has found that her niche isn't any particular industry, but it's brands that are seriously driven by impact, understand the value of brand equity, and aren't dabbling.

At InnovatorsBox®, Kree's main focus is augmenting its digital presences, the SEO, and some content strategy.

Kree is also a mom to a 2 year old, and losing hair fast!