As a kid, I remember being able to play alone for hours at a time. I’d sit and color, or be outside cracking rocks in my yard to see the crystals inside…or I’d make mud meatballs (LOL). I could do whatever I wanted, lost in my own little world. I loved the solitude. I’m sure you remember those times too, and if you had siblings…the alone time was especially relished.
But that’s not all that being alone does for us.
It also gives us the time to know ourselves better. To find the things that give us joy. Being alone is not the same as being lonely. You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely – yet you can be alone and still feel fulfilled.
Creatives need alone time, and it’s not just because we need to concentrate and focus without interruptions. We need it because it allows us to relax, open our minds and self-reflect.
However, we’re not kids anymore. Some of us are adults with kids of our own so the possibility of getting alone time may have become more difficult. Or maybe we have full-time jobs or other responsibilities that don’t make finding alone time easy. Whatever the reasons are, we need to put a cap on it and try to find the time for ourselves.
Finding alone time can be challenging, but it’s possible with some planning and creativity. Here are some strategies to carve out time for yourself and your art:
1. Wake Up Early or Stay Up Late
If your household is busy during the day, consider waking up before everyone else or staying up a little later to enjoy uninterrupted creative time.
2. Use Nap Time or Quiet Time
If you have kids and they still nap, take advantage of that time to focus on your art. If they’re older, establish a daily quiet time where they read, play independently, or do a quiet activity.
3. Schedule Alone Time
Block out time in your schedule, just like an appointment. Let your family know that this is your creative time, and treat it as non-negotiable.
4. Get Help from Your Support System
Ask your partner, family, or a trusted friend to help with some responsibilites for a set time each week so you can focus on your art.
5. Maximize Small Moments
Even 10-15 minutes of alone time can be valuable. Keep a sketchbook, journal, or small art supplies handy for quick creative bursts when you find a moment.
6. Create a Special Creative Space
Having a dedicated space for your art can help you mentally switch into creative mode, even if it’s just a small corner in your home.
7. Encourage Independent Play
If your kids are old enough, encourage them to play independently while you work nearby. This teaches them self-sufficiency while giving you some creative time.
8. Give Yourself Permission
Many of us feel guilty about taking time for ourselves, but our creativity is important. Prioritizing our art makes us happier and more fulfilled.
Until next time…
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