Lessons from Pop Culture

Time Alone Is Important for Self Care

September 3, 2021March 31, 2023By
self-care

There is no shame in spending the night alone. Just ask Bridget who opens up Bridget Jones’s Diary to Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself”. She smokes a cigarette (something I never do), drinks a glass of wine (something I occasionally do), watches some old school TV shows (something I sometimes do), reads a big book (something I do often), catches up with her messages (something I always do), and lip syncs like a diva (don’t act like you don’t do it too!).

No Shame in Being All By Myself

Maybe Bridget is not exactly in the best mindset during these opening credits. She may be feeling a bit down on herself that no one has messaged her and that she has no plans for a Saturday night. Maybe she is lonely or disappointed, but really, it is okay.

Why? Because Bridget does not sit and wallow. She uses a night of alone time to get that disillusionment out of her system, and then she dives in to make changes that will keep her from feeling like that ever again. It was an overdue night of self-care.

Taking Self-Care to the City

For me, a mom in her forties working two part-time jobs, a night alone sounded divine. A night I would not have to not break up the bickering of my loving but feisty grade school children or face down a stack of plates crusted with macaroni and cheese. A night to rest, to breathe, and to simply be.

I took Bridget’s lead, but instead of one night, I gave myself three glorious days in the big city. New York City, to be exact. A mini break! I planned my trip around the Writers Digest Conference. The trip did more than yank me out of a profound writer’s block. It brought me back to life. By allowing me to step outside of my usual responsibilities, even for 72 hours, I felt more myself than I had in a very long time. The city allowed me to dream, to imagine, to hope, to live.

Next time I won’t wait so long to treat myself to some self-care.

What Is Self-Care All About Anyway?

Self-care is a buzzword for our times, but this one actually means something. It might be better to call it an adult time out! With all the busy-ness in our lives, we have to stop and take some time to refuel. After all, you can only run on empty for so long.

What lifts me up may not do the same for you. You may want to consider what kind of self-care it is that you need. What is missing in your day-to-day? What makes you smile? Adds comfort? Joy? Do what feels best.

  • Emotional self-care: Acknowledging your feelings can help you cope with challenges and develop healthy relationships. Consider connecting with a friend, seeing a therapist, or writing in a journal.
  • Intellectual self-care: Stimulating the mind can open you up to creativity and innovation. Consider learning a new language, listening to music, or reading a book.
  • Physical self-care: Taking care of your body can increase your energy and boost self-esteem. Consider taking a nap, soaking in a bubble bath, or trying a new work out.
  • Social self-care: Social connection creates a sense of belonging and acceptance. Consider joining a book club, organizing a family dinner, or planning a night out with friends.
  • Spiritual self-care: Living according to your ideals and virtues brings meaning to your life. Consider attending a religious service, going on a nature walk, or practicing yoga.

We busy bees need to stop and smell the roses. Better yet, we need to savor the sweet honey in our lives. See, Bridget? There’s nothing wrong with staying in for the night.