BLOG 316: HERE'S WHY I NEED TO BE ALONE SOMETIMES TO TRULY RECHARGE DESPITE BEING A PEOPLE PERSON

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed something really beautiful: more and more people in our Face Yoga community want to hear not just my tips and techniques, but also about me. My life, my routines, the ups and downs, and the real moments in between. And I love that, because I truly believe that when I share my personal stories, I help others feel more connected, less alone, and more inspired to take care of themselves, too.

So today I want to talk about something that’s become absolutely vital to my emotional wellbeing and energy levels—alone time.

Now, I want to be really clear—this isn’t about loneliness. That’s something completely different. Loneliness which isn’t from a place of choice is something that many people have to deal with and it can be really hard. Firstly I want to hold space for you if this resonates with you as it can be a difficult thing to live with. The other thing to mention is you can also feel lonely in a crowded room or when you are around others. But what I’m talking about today is different to both of these things. This is about taking a conscious, positive decision to step away from the noise, slow down, and be alone in a positive way. No pressure. No expectations. Just space.

Why I Choose Solitude to Recharge

I’m a people person. I love connecting with people—whether that’s spending time with my wonderful family, chatting with friends, or working closely with the incredible team in my business. I also have created a beautiful community of Face Yogi’s around the World who I adore being with. But even though I love all of that, I’ve learned that I don’t recharge my mental, emotional and physical energy through social interaction. I recharge through solitude.

And I really noticed this on a recent family holiday. We had 11 beautiful days together—my husband, our two daughters, and extended family abroad. We had 3 days in Belguim and 8 in the Netherlands. It was filled with love, laughter, and magical moments. We visiting family that live over there and did activities such as water parks, zips wires and skiing every day. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But I also found myself feeling totally drained by the end. Not because anything was wrong, but simply because I didn’t get enough time on my own to regulate, reset, and breathe.

I carved out a few short pockets—maybe 15 minutes here and there, or the odd quiet walk—but it just wasn’t enough. And as someone who’s quite a highly sensitive person, I feel things deeply. When there’s lots of stimulation, conversation, noise, and movement, my nervous system starts to feel overwhelmed. And that’s when I know I need a pause.

What Alone Time Looks Like for Me

Alone time doesn’t have to mean a full day off (though sometimes that’s lovely!). It might just be:

• Sitting quietly in a room and doing some deep breathing
• A gentle face yoga session in silence
• A solo walk in nature
• Tidying or organising a space in the house with no one else around
• Journaling or reading a few pages of a book
• Doing a Yoga class
• Going to the spa for a sauna
• Even just turning off the noise and enjoying a warm cup of tea in peace

Sometimes I need a couple of minutes. Sometimes I need a couple of hours. And occasionally, I need a couple of days. When I honour that, I feel more grounded, more balanced, and so much more emotionally regulated.

What the Science Says

This isn’t just my personal preference—it’s backed by research too.

Studies have shown that taking time alone can:

• Reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, which helps calm the nervous system
• Increase dopamine and other neurotransmitters linked to focus, creativity, and emotional resilience
• Enhance emotional regulation by giving your brain time to process and rest
• Improve self-awareness, helping us to reconnect with what we actually need

Neuroscientists have also found that quiet time activates what’s called the Default Mode Network in the brain—a state linked to creativity, memory consolidation, and introspection. When we’re constantly stimulated by external input, that part of the brain doesn’t get a chance to work its magic. My role in my business is definitely based around creativity so for business, alone time is essential for me to come up with new content, course and product ideas.

In other words: time alone isn’t a luxury. It’s brain fuel for not only me, but for us all.

Want to Regulate Your Nervous System Naturally?

One of my favourite ways to bring myself back into balance is through face yoga. In fact, I created a course specifically to support that calm, grounded state we’re often missing when life gets full on.

If you’d like to explore gentle, effective techniques that release tension from the jaw, neck, and shoulders—and help your whole system calm and reset—then you’ll love my Morning, Noon and Night Lifting Facial Workouts. It’s available now for just £31 right here.

It’s a simple, powerful way to gift yourself a moment of quiet—and reconnect with your body, breath, and inner calm.

Final Thoughts

Taking time for yourself isn’t about disconnecting from others—it’s about reconnecting with yourself. And the beautiful thing is, when we do that, we’re better for everyone around us. I know I show up as a better mother, wife, friend, and businesswoman when I’ve taken even just a little time to be in stillness.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just off, try stepping away—even for a few minutes. But if you can, do it daily and take an hour or so if you can. Turn off the noise, create a little space, and breathe.

This makes such a difference to my wellness and you might be surprised just how much that alone time can restore you too.