We need time to ourselves to reflect and consolidate our thoughts. Overcrowding and lack of privacy can be distressing, so we need to take time out for ourselves every once in a while. The brain actually ‘zones out’ and switches momentarily from the left hemisphere to the right every hour or so in order to process information into long term memory and lower our stress levels.

Questions to ask when considering the need for privacy:

• Do you often take time out to be alone and consolidate what’s going on, or are the demands on your time not allowing for this?
• Are you taking on or being asked to take on more work than you can fit into the time you have?
• Are you in a relationship or household where the need for privacy is not respected?