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?!

Yep. Currently curled up in bed alone having eaten a whole tub of Booja Booja. Wish i could actually relax instead of feeling guilty though

ME! I'd happily live as a hermit, walking long trails alone if I could.

This is a must in my life, having worked a 40hr week I feel a little me time to relax and chill is not asking much.

I think vast majority of people need some time alone to recharge their batteries and clear their heads. I also think that some people like to stress that they are introverts so need this time more than most when actually they have no idea how much other people might need time alone too.

We call it ‘space for your head’ and we all need it. Family, that is.

Yes. Love spending time with my wider family, OH, DC and friends but I need to be able to disappear for ten mins upstairs after events/days out just to breathe. I always put this down to my anxiety issues but maybe I was wrong and it's something most people need.

I agree, Bumpitybumper.

Yes, 100%.

I feel really claustrophobic if I don't get 10 minutes peace and quiet throughout the day. It has to be proper silence though. No noise at all.

Sometimes the constant 'MUMMY!' Is suffocating.
But, I'm a total introvert and I hate spending too much time in company (if it isn't family) so it's to be expected really.

Yes and the older I get the more I need. I'm fine with the dog for company!

I do worry that I'm getting more and more introverted as I get older. Currently 46 with primary aged kids. I seem to need company less and less. Worried by 56 I could easily live as a hermit.

I’m the same BrassicaBabe. The older I get the more introverted I have become. At work I’m surrounded by noise and constant interactions and decisions so my free time is really precious and I don’t want to spend it making polite conversation. I either want to be with my family or in peaceful silent solitude!

Me too.
I call it recharging. Love people, family and friends but need regular down time alone.

Im a sociable introvert. Need quiet for my brain to regroup. Otherwise im fractious and braindead

Absolutely.

I have definitely got more introverted as I’ve got older. Now I need silence a lot of the time too. I literally can’t bear having a radio, or worse still, a TV on in the morning. To the point where I shudder a little inside when I read on here that someone’s watching TV at 9am! I just could not do it.

Noisy bars and restaurants just hurt my head, and I can’t handle crowded places. I think I’ve probably edged into hermit status. I am alone this weekend and other than maybe watching an hour or so of TV tonight, I won’t speak to anyone, the house will be silent and I love it!

Yes, I absolutely need this on a regular basis. Otherwise I feel exhausted, teary and ratty.

I can totally relate to this. For many years I thought I was a bit strange!! Now realise I just need time to myself not talking or thinking, to recharge. I am most definitely an introvert.

Absolutely. I'm currently at a family party and have hidden myself away in the corner, rocking DS to sleep in the buggy. I can see everyone but I'm not in the middle of everything and feel so much better. When he wakes up I'll go back into the main bit! DD keeps coming over but I've sent her off to find DH and am enjoying five minutes to "myself".

Having kids makes it so difficult to get as much of the peaceful, solo time I crave, but it's getting better as they're getting older.

Yep definitely. I'm an extrovert but still need time alone to relax and re-charge.

Both DH & I are the same and we've already agreed (pre-DC) that we when one of us needs some alone time the other will facilitate it so we can both stay sane.

Since I'm an extrovert I've sort of assumed it's to do with me having been an only child and so growing up with time pottering about on my own.

Actually right now I am on the sofa Mumsnetting (and about to read a book for a bit) and DH is upstairs in his man cave watching You Tube videos. We adore each other but having some space works for us.

I would love to live in remote cottage on the side of a mountain somewhere. I could quite easily become a hermit if it were possible.

@WillGymForPizza
God me too
I miss my alone time so much. Sahm with 3yo and 1.5yo. Love them to bits but really miss peace and quiet and no incessant wails of mummy.. mummy... mummy x17,000 times a minute

Yes. In fact I am currently hiding in my bedroom for this very reason!

Absolutely. I'm glad you asked because the people i know don't seem to need it but it's an absolute must for me.

Yes.