Why I Need More Quiet Time

@Tistje
2 min readFeb 8, 2024
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Life is super busy, and talking to people or hanging out can be really tiring for someone like me. I’m autistic, and sometimes, after being around others, I just need to be alone to feel better, kind of like how you feel super tired after a long day and just want to rest.

It’s really important for me to have time alone so I can get my energy back. It doesn’t mean I don’t like talking or being with people; I just need a little break to feel okay again. I know it might seem strange to some people, but just like everyone needs sleep, I need my quiet time. While some people feel better by being with friends, I feel better by spending time alone, maybe in a quiet room.

It’s not just being with people that makes me need a break. Even simple things like taking a shower or eating can be tough because I’m very sensitive to things like noise, smells, and how things feel. So, I make sure to relax a bit after doing these things, too.

Sometimes, other people don’t get why I need these breaks. They can’t see how hard some things can be for me. But taking short breaks helps me not get too stressed and helps me keep doing things I need or want to do.

Wanting to be alone sometimes doesn’t mean I’m sad or that people should feel sorry for me. I like being by myself at times, and that’s okay. If I’m sitting quietly, reading, listening to music, or just chilling, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. If I don’t take these breaks, I might have to cancel plans, and I don’t like doing that.

Everyone sees the world in their own way, and that means we all have different things to offer. By making sure I get the quiet time I need, I can do my best and share my part with the world. This is how I take care of myself, and it’s a step toward making a place where we all understand each other better. Everyone is doing their best in their own way, and that’s pretty cool.

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@Tistje
@Tistje

Written by @Tistje

Ervaringswerker autisme / Autistic Advocate / Autism Ambassador

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