by Dawn Rutt

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 02, 2010

Things to do to keep you entertained while home alone

What can’t you do when you are home alone? Just think of all the possibilities! You can clean the kitchen floor! Vacuum! You can do laundry! Dust! You finally have the undivided time you’ve been needing to clean the baseboards.

Or…maybe not.

Time alone is a precious commodity. In this day and age, we are constantly on the move, running to and from work, to the store, dropping kids off at daycare or at soccer. There is all the aforementioned housework. Cooking. Parenting. We are a high-stress society and any free time we may find ourselves with is instantly filled with something vital.

The Better Sleep Council reports that 65% of the American population are losing sleep due to stress and 32% lose sleep at least once a week due to stress-related anxiety. We need that alone time now more than ever and if you are lucky enough to find yourself with a few free hours you need to take full advantage of them. So, what to do?

Read! Pick up that dusty book on the coffee table and lose yourself in the life of someone else for a bit. Maybe books aren't your thing. So grab that glossy magazine from the check out lane and indulge yourself. Reading is an excellent way to relax your mind and your body.

Have you considered a massage? A massage is one of the most relaxing things we can treat ourselves to. According to The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, not only does a massage feel great and relieve stress, there are many medical benefits. A massage can enhance immunity, improve circulation and even lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. You don’t even have to leave your house. Many masseuses will travel to your location.

Even something as simple as a bubble bath and an at home pedicure can do wonders for your lookout. Draw a bath, light a few candles, pour a glass of wine and steal some time for yourself. Rent that movie that your family refuses to watch. Reintroduce yourself to a long neglected hobby. Catch up on your scrap booking. Take up water painting. Maybe even do a little home redecorating. There are so, so many options. And not one of them has to involve housework or laundry.

Alone time is vital to our well being. When we are able to step away from life for a moment and recharge, we become better at everything we do. We become better parents, better employees, bosses, friends, lovers, family. We become better people.

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