Solitary Sanctuaries: My Favorite Spots for Me Time

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These sanctuaries are my weekday wonders, carefully dodging the weekend and school holiday hustle and bustle that saps my energy faster than a vacuum cleaner on turbo mode.

My Favorite Spots for Me Time

As an introvert with a low tolerance for external ‘noise,’ I’ve discovered a few treasured places that allow me to enjoy my own company. These sanctuaries are my weekday wonders, carefully dodging the weekend and school holiday hustle and bustle that saps my energy faster than a vacuum cleaner on turbo mode. Thankfully, I am lucky to have these places within a short(ish) driving distance, with the furthest being 90 minutes away. I get it, not everyone has these gems close by or a flexible schedule, and I admit, a bit of planning is involved, but believe me, the effort is absolutely worth it.

Rainforests

My Sanctuary: Rainforests offer the most serene atmosphere and the best walking trails. I find the rainforest atmosphere soothing; the only sounds are of nature and my own footsteps. I never wear earphones or headphones when I’m walking a trail as I love the stillness (that, and I’ve seen way too much true crime). I love the return trails that go via a waterfall and rockpool, regardless of the season. I enjoy being able to sit and zone out watching, and listening to, the water fall. Many rainforests have numerous trails of varying distances, some via lookouts and suspended tree top type walks which are also wonderful. Tropical strength insect repellent is a must.

Beaches

Dog Beaches: Dog beaches are my go-to. As a dog owner and dog lover, I love watching the dogs running around chasing balls and each other, in and out of the surf. Not only that but the dog beaches (or dog section of the beach) where I live are used by walkers and surfers as they are usually at a distance from the sunbathers, swimmers, and gatherings. I even walk at this part of the beach even when my dogs aren’t with me. Even though I am not one for ocean swimming, I love the water. Last year I felt compelled to be near the water ALL the time. I was there almost daily, just walking and stopping to study any seashells I found. The nearby break walls and long jetties are also a great place to walk along and take some amazing pics too.

Lighthouses

Symbolic Strength: I have always been drawn to lighthouses, the way they stand alone, strong and tall, weathering the storms and yet still shine bright. As someone who has always had to be the strong independent type, even in my own darkest times, I have always been a tower of strength others could rely on for help. I think there is a quiet unassuming beauty about lighthouses. There is something about standing at a lighthouse and realising that it doesn’t matter what you’ve seen or experienced, or those lost along the way, storms come and go and it’s important to continue to stand tall and not let the light inside you die.

Gardens and Parklands

Nature’s Beauty: I’m not a plant or gardening person per se; however, botanic and Japanese style gardens are a great place to peacefully wander around aimlessly listening to the birds, breathing in the fresh air, while having an array of vibrant, exotic and pretty things to look at, and learn about if you’re so inclined. It makes for great exercise without feeling like exercise. Parklands also have plenty to offer. Many feature a small lake to walk around, walking tracks, ducks you can feed (not bread), and big trees to sit or lay under for shade in the warmer months. A quiet place to sit or lay and listen to a podcast, have lunch or even work remotely. I am known to park my car alongside the nearby lake at sunset and just sit in the car for a few moments of quiet from time to time.

Wildlife Parks and Sanctuaries

Grounding Experience: I adore animals. There’s something about being out in nature surrounded by wildlife that is grounding. I can happily wander around observing the animals and watch them interact with one another. The meerkats are ones that are especially fun, you see their own personalities come out and the workings of the group dynamics. I could quite easily spend far too long hanging out around the quokkas and otters also. Many of these places have animal hospitals that help care for injured local wildlife and offer a behind the scenes tour in very small groups of the animals currently in rehab awaiting release back into the wild. It helps raise much needed money for rescue and conservation programs.

"Spending time alone in your own company reinforces your self-worth and is often the number one way to replenish your resilience reserves."

Aquariums

Underwater Serenity: Three words; Polar bears, seals and penguins. Okay that’s four, but these guys are insanely adorable. I mean is there anything cuter than seeing them swim underwater and the way they pop up to get out of the water!? I enjoy observing them in their own enclosures doing their own thing. The turtles too, along with being able to observe sharks up close with only glass separating you. Looking up at their bellies as they swim overhead. It’s quite amazing in an unnerving way. You can easily lose track of time, in your own little world.

Scenic Overlooks or Lookout Points

Tranquil Contemplation: Finding a secluded spot with a panoramic view allows for quiet contemplation and offers a sense of tranquility and perspective. Whether it’s the sight of rolling hills, mountains, or vast bodies of water, these locations have an ability to transport me away from the chaos of everyday life. As I gaze upon the vast expanse before me, my mind naturally begins to wander, exploring deeper thoughts and contemplating any decisions I might need to make. For me, the peacefulness in these moments allows for a clarity of thought that is often elusive amidst the noise and distractions of daily life.

Art Galleries and Museums

Appreciation of Creativity: Exploring art or historical artifacts in a quiet setting provides me an opportunity for appreciation of creativity. I enjoy pondering the emotions and thoughts behind a piece of artwork or the curious minds behind inventions, and what life must have been like for them in that period of time.

 

TIP: Always check online in advance to make sure certain places have no planned events or school excursions scheduled for that particular day so you can enjoy taking it all in with less people and noise.

I look forward to discovering new places and expanding this list whenever I am lucky enough to getaway.

Stay tuned.

 

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