Benefits of Being Alone

If you need to stay home for medical reasons, it's important not to just lie down and nap all day or do nothing at all. There is always something you can do to keep your mind, body, and spirit engaged.

Embracing the outdoors

Spend some time in your backyard to enjoy the beautiful feeling of nature. Even if you don't have plants, you can still appreciate the sky, clouds, and fresh air. A short walk with a friend or loved one can also be very helpful. While it may be difficult to need someone with you, sometimes it is the safest option.

Mindfulness and epilepsy

There are many types of meditation and mindfulness. Try it out! I find that listening to specific YouTube channels helps me, but you can figure out what type is a good fit for you. Some free classes are offered in libraries, yoga studios, or parks during the summer. See if there are any near you if you would like to learn more before trying it at home. I practice Jewish meditation because there is a different one for each emotion.

Self-reflection is a key building block to understanding ourselves, our goals, and our experiences. It involves pausing to look back at our actions to build a conscious knowledge of who we are and how we can apply learned lessons and skills in the future.

Centering also helps me a lot. This can be done in multiple ways, like mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, or deep breathing exercises. You can do it lying down or standing up, anywhere, anytime! Try adding it to your daily routine to boost your focus, get more done, and keep your emotions in check. By training your mind to stay present and grounded, mental centering can help you find your inner peace and stay strong. It is helpful to imagine a person or a place in your head to help clear your mind and imagine what that person would say to you about stress, self-doubt, or what to do if a seizure happens.

The power of music

Music can be mentally transformative. I know what songs help me, but do you know what songs help you? I was born in the 1980s, a generation of people who played outside and owned CDs, stereos, and boomboxes. It was so much fun!

My first CDs were pop hits from the '90s: the Backstreet Boys, Savage Garden, and Britney Spears. As I learned about more types of music, I discovered songs that helped my emotions throughout the years. Some of my favorites are "Only God Knows Why" by Kid Rock, because only the Lord knows why things happen; "Scar Tissue" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, because my seizures were caused by scar tissue forming on my left temporal lobe; and "Take Me As I Am" by Mary J. Blige, because people need to accept us for who we are. The lyrics of her song "Fine" are also very positive, reminding us that we are all just fine as we are. The video for Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" is also pleasant to watch, as it shows people who may be discriminated against but are beautiful just as they are. As she sings, words can’t bring you down.

Soothing your senses

Give yourself a hug to remind yourself how great you are. The inner voice of you wants you to know how far you can get and the greatness of life.

There are always candles, creams, and essential oils that can be soothing and useful. Chamomile, Cedarwood, Jasmine, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang are beneficial for the nervous system. While they aren't a cure, they can offer some help. Frankincense is the most well-known essential oil to help decrease or even stop seizures from happening. Just be sure not to inhale it, burn it, put it in an essential oil diffuser, or apply it to a vein on your wrist.

Creative expression

It is a fact that art and writing are psychologically helpful. Find time to do either or both. It is recommended to do this on a day when you awaken feeling happy, excited, or upset. At times, instead of writing down what I'm doing, I write a letter to myself about what to stop remembering or thinking about if it's negative, to make it fly out of my head. Sometimes I accidentally write things more than once or purposely remind myself to clear my mind. When that happens, I write a letter to myself and sign it from a person I know and look up to as a friend, a person who helps me, or a person with a history I admire.

Finding connection

Just remember that you are not the only person who feels alone. Other people with disabilities, and people in general, are alone more than predicted. Friendship and independence can be difficult, but there are people out there for you, even if you haven't met them yet. Epilepsy groups and events can be useful, as can local community events. Discover what is right for you to try because it is not healthy to stay inside and do nothing all day. We are all magical and valuable people.