Alone time. Those of us with kids crave it so much, but then, when it’s finally there, we find ourselves scratching our heads and wondering what on earth we used to do with all our time! It’s too easy to let this valuable me-time slip away whilst you zone-out on your phone, or to spend it wandering aimlessly around the house tidying up toys and missing the kids. Never fear, when you next find yourself in this rare and lucky position, we have you covered with these 7 ideal ways to chill at home…. ALONE!
REFRESH YOUR DECOR
A change to your environment can really refresh your mood. Not to mention that redecorating projects can be relaxing and fun. If time allows, you could take up that brush and paint a feature wall in a bold and beautiful colour. If repainting is too messy, use wallpaper to create an entirely new look. Changing up your curtains, seat covers, bedding and other drapery can also breathe new life to your favourite rooms. For something a little simpler, find a few favourite photos, stick them in frames and create a photo gallery to celebrate and display your best memories. You can also hang up a new painting or piece of art to spruce up your place and create a warm inviting place that you love. Home is where the heart is, and this is a perfect opportunity to spend your time and energy making it more beautiful.
BAKE SOMETHING DELICIOUS
Baking can be a soul-enriching activity. So long as you have flour and sugar you could bake anything from chocolate chip cookies to a simple banana cake. Fill your baked delicacies with sugar, spice and everything nice, or go for something healthy and simple. You don’t have to be an expert, pick up a recipe online and just give it a go. Being alone, there’s no-one to judge and the best part about it, is that you get to have the first piece!
TAKE A NETFLIX BINGE
Your favorite series have been on your to-do list for a while now. What better time than when you are home alone to get down to business and binge watch the latest exciting episodes as you snack on your favorite treats? Go on, escape the reality, get lost in the world of wonder and possibility.
READ A BOOK
Yes, we totally get how hard it is to finish a paragraph when the kids are around. Being absorbed in a book is an amazing feeling. You get in touch with the characters and it steers all sort of emotions as you engage with every page. However, when interrupted, it can meddle with the excitements of the book. Now that you have all the time to yourself, get yourself one of the bestsellers, pull a cosy blanket and wrap yourself into the comfort of a worthy book.
LISTEN TO MUSIC
Do you remember the last time you listened to your type of music? Take this opportunity to veto the usual children’s rhymes, lullabies or cartoon title sequences. Pump up the volume to your favorite old school hit, revisit the memories of your teenage self and get down to the beat because no one is really watching. Let the music take over your spirit and bring out the joyful feeling. It is good for your soul and a bonus workout for your body!
CLOSET DETOX
Over the years, there are clothes that have either become smaller, bigger, old, outdated or just forgotten. Alone time is a perfect time to catch up with your closet and get rid of all the clutter that you do not need. Get out all those cute forgotten clothes and bring your sexy back. If you need some help, check out the KonMari method – a new approach to decluttering coined by Marie Kondo. KonMari method is based on Japanese values and helps you to organize your home in such a way that you only surround yourself with items that spark joy.
RELAX
Take a breather and let the rest come easy. Take advantage of the extra hours in bed, grab that duvet and get lost in your beautiful world of dreams. Take time off the usual responsibilities and just unwind. Do something relaxing. Paint your toe nails, soak yourself in the bath tub and even crack open those luxury bath gels you never use. You can also house call your favorite masseuse to perform her magic on your body and get you feeling like the goddess you are.
Home Alone may be the luxury you’ve always needed. So what are you waiting for? Send the kids to Grandma’s NOW!
Words: Eve Kibare Illustration: Nzilani Simu