Sitting With Yourself for an Hour: Why It Matters & How to Do It

Why Sit With Yourself?

In today’s world, we are constantly doing: working, scrolling, talking, planning. We rarely stop to just be. But spending intentional time alone with yourself, without distractions, is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental and emotional well-being.

Here’s why:

1. You hear your real thoughts

Without external noise, you can finally hear what’s really going on inside. The fears, desires, and needs that usually get drowned out begin to surface.

2. You build emotional resilience

Learning to be with uncomfortable emotions like boredom, anxiety, and loneliness, without running away from them, helps you grow stronger from within.

3. You reconnect with your intuition

The more you sit in stillness, the clearer your inner voice becomes. You might gain unexpected clarity about something you’ve been struggling with.

4. You develop self-trust

Just like any relationship, spending time with yourself builds trust. You begin to feel safe in your own company.

How to Sit With Yourself for an Hour

You don’t need candles, mantras, or a perfect setting. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Set the intention

Decide that this hour is for you. Not to be productive, but to be present.

2. Create a quiet space

Sit somewhere comfortable like a room, your car, or a bench. Turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode.

3. Don’t plan what to think about

Let your mind wander. You’re not here to control your thoughts, just to notice them.

4. Breathe

Focus on your breath whenever your mind starts to spiral. No need to force deep breaths. Just become aware of your natural rhythm.

5. Feel

If something uncomfortable comes up, sit with it. Ask yourself what this feeling might be trying to tell you.

6. Be gentle

If the hour feels long or awkward, that’s okay. This isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about showing up for yourself.

Sitting with yourself isn’t about achieving something. It’s about coming home to yourself. In the quiet, you may hear parts of you that have been waiting patiently to be heard. And little by little, you’ll remember that your own presence is enough.