Does anyone else need time alone regularly to get there head clear?

[itsathing]

I've always enjoyed doing things alone like shopping etc but at the same time love spending time with family and friends and really enjoy it when we all get together over a BBQ etc.

However, over the years especially since having kids I've noticed that I need this alone time. I'm currently a sahp so am constantly with someone 24/7 and all I want to do is runaway and be alone for a while. Recharge and then join in again!

Is anyone else like this?!

Yes me! And it's not a new thing either. I've always been like this. I love my family and spending time with them. But there is a limit and once I reach it I need alone time. I find it really draining mentally and physically.

I now know that I am an introvert. And there are lots of us out there. Unfortunately the modern world is geared towards extroverts.

Me too. I've always been this way. I'm an introvert & while I can cope with social situations, I need to be able to leave when I want to & afterwards I need alone time to recharge my batteries.

Yep I am the same. I have dogs, taking them out is the perfect excuse to have some time alone. Think things vet and recharge!

Think things vet and recharge! AUTOCORRECT GONE MAD.

... should read: Think things through and recharge!

100%.
I'm an introvert so have always needed alone/quiet time to recharge, especially after lots of social events, but since having children I crave it more for my sanity. Less so as they get older but when they were tiny and so intense I struggled a lot with having no alone time

Totally - I'm actually a major extrovert but need regular alone time and head space.

Yes, always have and the lack of opportunity for this is, for me, the hardest thing about being a parent.

Totally
I would go mad and get vicious without it!

Yes definitely. The only alone / quiet time I get is my bloody driving lessons 🤦🏻‍♀️ and even then I'm still concentrating and my brain isn't switched off. I have an 18 month old and have twins on the way, I reckon the next time I will be alone and have some peace and quiet is when they all leave home 😂 X

Yes me, I've struggled and gained a lot of weight since I had ds and it's largely down to this. No head space = high stress levels.

It's getting easier now that he's more independent though.

Yep. I have become more forgiving of myself needing so much since I was diagnosed with autism (Aspergers really).

It’s become a more desperate need since I had my third child - an 8 year gap meant a major struggle to go back to losing my independence.

I’ve joined a gym recently and that’s really helped. Although I’m not alone (sometimes I go with friends) it has a much better effect on me than when I stay home alone and veg on the sofa (and eat too much).

god yes, worst thing ever when you are all ready to go out and someone says "ohhhh....I'll come too...."
esp for a dog walk or malingering round shops and they think they are saving you BAH!

I am deeply antisocial mind you!
I am certain this is why I have never ever been on a long holiday, 5 days is pretty much my absolute maximum with one person dh
The thought of a whole week or longer away fills me with horror.

I am lucky enough to only work out of the house four days a week. So on my day at home I work harder but feel so much more rested.
I don't have the radio or tv on. I love the quiet.
The rest of the week I'm busy with doing stuff with others and for others but I can't wait for that little oasis of calm.

Right now my 3 boys are out at school cricket matches and my DH is out doing one of his hobbies. Even the 3 dogs are all just sleeping. The house is silent and I love it.

Yes.
I start to feel really quite poorly, mentally if I don't get some space and quiet time.
I absolutely hate my free time being commandeered by others (as I see it)

Yep this is me. I love taking my dogs out on my own or now I’m 8 months pregnant just taking myself out for a walk as they’re too strong. I know when baby arrives I’ll need that ‘me time’ even more so we’ve already agreed when I’m ready to get back out with the dogs DH will take over after work & I get an hour or two out on my own with my first babies x

Absolutely me. I feel like my head will explode if I don't escape on my own regularly.

I often go to the cinema and art galleries and museums alone. Love long walks on my own.

I manage a team at work in an open plan office so it's constant interaction, meetings and queries. I save my sanity by escaping to a coffee shop at lunchtime to flop in a comfy chair with a good book. Bliss!

I really am an antisocial old bag!

Absolutely! I'd be 6 feet under if I couldn't escape to my bolt hole by the sea.

The family come and join me but I usually have a day or at least half a day to myself.

It's absolutely normal for the majority of people I'd have thought.

SillyBilly- that sounds like a dream, I am really jealous!

Totally I'm currently hiding in the spare room listening to radio 4 and obviously playing on MN. I've been up since 6 with both boys and trying to clean the house and cook for friends coming over shortly. Just needed 30 minutes of no one NEEDING something from me, then the bastarding cat just came in and climbed on me. Go Away!! She's very lovely but I am not in the mood.

Yes. Going to the supermarket alone when ds was small was bliss

Same here. I have to be alone from time to time. I’ve got the afternoon to myself today and I’m relishing doing nothing much at all.

Yes! And I grab it wherever I can. My husband took the kids to breakfast club the other day so instead of being early for work I sat and had a coffee at home and got there normal time. Utter bliss and 15 mins of absolute nothingness!!

This is why I like running too! The further you run the more time to yourself! I like running solo for this reason.

Also I don't like "people"

My Dad is a hermit, and I'm noticing that I'm heading that way too.....

I rarely get much time to myself having 2 DDs still at home, working and having 4 small grandchildren. I get really irritable if I am surrounded by people too much

I'm that person who'd happily live on a remote island surrounded by sea with just my dogs for company. Sorry, DH. You could visit occasionally though