March 26 is National Solitude Day! This year I plan to celebrate because being a mother can be overstimulating, especially when you have small children. Between the endless to-do list, loud playing (or fussing), a messy house, and so on, it can be a lot.
Sometimes I reminisce about the solitude of the cozy studio apartment in the suburbs of Atlanta I lived in before moving to the Columbia area. Terrace level with a balcony overlooking trees and the rest of my quiet neighborhood, that little apartment was an introvert’s dream.
While my solo days are long behind me, it doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t take time out from the bedlam of everyday life. Spending time alone can benefit your mental health and your closest relationships. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate National Solitude Day.
1. Solo Dining Out
My kids are picky eaters, and there are places I like to eat that my husband can’t stand. So, I am not against ditching them to enjoy a delicious meal while people-watching or enjoying a good book. With the weather warming up, now is a good time to enjoy dining outside.
Don’t limit yourself to just meal times. I like to take strolls while eating a scoop of ice cream. Even sitting in the car listening to music while eating something from the drive-thru can be therapeutic if you don’t get that much time to yourself.
2. Step Out Into Spring
Spring is here and so is the chance to get out and enjoy nature’s revival! Columbia has no shortage of state and city parks that make getting out into nature both enjoyable and convenient. My favorites are Saluda Shoals and Sesquicentennial State Park because they feel worlds away even though they’re surrounded by city.
3. Take a Staycation
My favorite part of going on vacation is staying in a hotel with cushy beds and a hot breakfast. The beauty of a staycation is that you don’t have to travel or invest in a busy itinerary. My favorite staycation spot, Hotel Trundle, is only one of the many staycation destinations in Columbia where you can experience a tranquil National Solitude Day.
4. Commandeer a Room for Yourself
Print out a “do not disturb” sign and pick a room in your home to have some solitude for a few hours. Maybe it’s your home office where you can write in your journal or work on a hobby uninterrupted. You can lock up in your bedroom with snacks and a movie or meditate (in my case, nap). It’s not a room, but sitting outside on the porch can also be a way to clear your head and undergo some inner peace.
5. Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa
Now, I’m of the belief that things like running errands and going to the bathroom alone are not self-care activities; they’re things that we would and should be doing anyway. However, with a little effort, a bath can be elevated to an act of self-care. When I’m stressed, I like to fill my tub with luxurious bath bubbles, use special handmade soaps, and invest in inexpensive but well-reviewed facial masks. For a little extra mood elevation, I’ll burn sweet-smelling incense or natural wax candles. To top it all off, I play some relaxing music or a recorded guided meditation.
6. Do Nothing
Our society glorifies staying busy to the point where it is unhealthy. It’s going to be difficult at first and you may experience some guilt, but make time to just do nothing, whatever that looks like for you. You deserve it, and most importantly, need that time to just exist unburdened by responsibilities and expectations.
