I was out on my bicycle this morning, somewhere in the Brandenburg country side, enjoying a slightly chilly but sunny morning. As I was riding along a lush green field lined with a bunch of impressive trees, the sun filtering through the vegetation I felt this powerful feeling of calmness, deep relaxation and clarity.
It felt wonderful, the rhythmic pedalling of my feet, the warming rays of sunshine in the cold air, the perfectly smooth and winding tarmac ahead… it was just absolute bliss.
This made me wonder - What makes this situation so special to feel so good?
Of course being in a beautiful nature setting helps. A sunny, perfectly tempered morning surely plays a part, maybe even the fact that the bike tires had the optimal pressure for a swift movement across the surface and the well lubricated chain gently purring along, like a tiny Brötchen-powered engine. All these factors contributed, but I believe that the biggest reason was that I was by myself.
Being by myself allows me to be the ultimate selfish version of myself. I don’t have to care about someone else’s pace, I don’t have to communicate, I don’t have to wait if a riding partner wants to get off to take a picture, I can just take a picture whenever I like, I chose the route, any detours, sprints, breaks etc.
Being by myself allows me to be my most authentic self. Even if only for a few minutes. There is power in that. There is flow, effortlessness, there is truth.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not some sort of misanthrope, I actually enjoy being with other people. I am a social being as well and love spending time with my wife, my children, family and friends, colleagues, clients and acquaintances.
All I am arguing here is that there is value in purposely creating space for being entirely alone. I guess everyones mileage will vary here, I have learned for myself that I need at least 30 min per day all by myself.
After doing some research, I learned that there is strong evidence that intentional alone time can have a variety of benefits:
Increased Self-awareness: Spending time alone allows for introspection and self-reflection. This solitude can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and reactions, leading to greater self-awareness and understanding of your own needs and desires. Understanding yourself better can lead to improved decision-making and overall well-being.
Improved Creativity: Creativity often flourishes in solitude. The quiet and peace can provide the perfect environment for generating new ideas and problem-solving. Without external distractions, your mind is free to wander, explore, and create. Many artists, writers, and thinkers have reported that their most creative ideas come during times of solitude.
Reduced Stress and Increased Mindfulness: Solitude can provide a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, reducing stress and allowing for relaxation and rejuvenation. It also allows for mindfulness and being present in the moment, which can have significant mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved mood.
Improved Relationships: While it might seem counterintuitive, spending time alone can actually improve your relationships with others. By understanding yourself better and taking care of your own needs, you can interact with others in a healthier, more balanced way. It can also make you value your relationships more and improve your ability to connect with others.
Increased Productivity and Focus: In our hyper-connected world, distractions are everywhere. Solitude can provide an environment free from these distractions, improving productivity and focus. Whether you're working on a project, learning something new, or trying to solve a problem, spending time alone can help you achieve your goals more efficiently and effectively.
Seems all pretty beneficial, right? So how does one fit this into the daily schedule?
Here are my own personal versions of that:
Going for a walk. I often combine this with something useful e.g. on the way to the post office or getting some Brötchen from the bakery in the morning. Sometimes I walk the kids to the train-station, in a way forcing myself out of the house and then once they are on the train, I have to get home somehow…
Cycle. Personally that works best when I am riding in a quiet part of town or in the countryside. It does not even have to be a long trip. It’s no issue if there are some strangers around, as long as I don’t have to interact with them, my brain still counts this as alone-time.
Jog. Closely related to walking, but slightly more straining on the cardiovascular system which makes it even beneficial for health. My best runs are the ones without a fixed route, I just go and let my intuition guide the path. No obsessive watching of the performance metrics, route or distance on the fitness watch, just being out and moving through the world.
Helmet Time. For those who know me closely, know that I have been riding 2 wheelers since I was a kid. At the moment I ride a green Vespa GTS scooter. It’s not super fast but fast enough to have some fun on the winding country roads. The great benefit of riding a Motorcycle or Scooter is that when the helmet is on, the outside world fades away, it’s like diving into a whole new way of existing. I’ve had some of my best ideas in the shower, while running or while wearing a full face helmet on a motorcycle.
What’s your Alone-Time schedule? Are you doing it intentionally?
Want to give it a try?
<3 Ben
