Being by yourself could actually be helpful, says psychologist—here are 3 major benefits of solitude
Many people often believe that when you are alone, you are lonely. Solitude can be a conscious choice people make when their energy levels are out or simply because they prefer being by themselves. It turns out that "being alone" might actually be positive, per The New York Post. Being alone is not the sorry case you think it is; it has its plus points that have been revealed in various studies. A little "me time" is a medicine you never knew you needed and you’ll want to pick some time by yourself after you jog through these 3 benefits of solitude. To begin with, loneliness and solitude are not the same. While one can be negative, the latter is a good decision to make every now and then.
Virginia Thomas, an assistant professor of psychology at Middlebury College, noted, “Loneliness and isolation are indeed social problems that warrant serious attention, especially since chronic states of loneliness are linked with poor outcomes such as depression and a shortened lifespan,” per The Conversation. However, she added, “For some people, the shift toward aloneness represents a desire for what researchers call ‘positive solitude,’ a state that is associated with well-being, not loneliness.” The world has often considered solitude and isolation interchangeably, which has led to the misconception of the former.
“In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged. In this cultural milieu, preferring to be alone carries stigma,” the professor noted. However, a press release by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine revealed that 56% of Americans prefer alone time as it is “vital” for their mental health. This percentage is right and even studies have shown that solitude can offer three impressive benefits that individuals can use for their well-being.
1. Recharging
Being around people continuously can be exhausting and cause energy to be depleted. It may not be physical exhaustion, but the mental strain is real. Being alone for a while helps recharge this lost energy and bring back stability. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin mentioned that even 15 minutes of alone time can do wonders for a person’s mental health. It can reduce chaotic feelings like anxiety and increase soothing emotions, bringing calm and relief. Being alone can bring in a “deactivation effect,” which in turn helps reduce stress.
2. Connect with yourself
Being around people constantly has you interacting, listening, and focused on many ideas apart from your own. A study published in Frontiers in 2021, during the COVID period, revealed that people who spent time in solitude were able to engage more in creativity. Being devoid of people and constant communication also helped people connect better with their emotions, thus boosting emotional intelligence. Being able to sit with your thoughts for a bit can help way more than one could have imagined.
3. Personal growth
Research suggests that spending time alone offers the opportunity to introspect and work on oneself. A 2023 study found that people who spent more time in solitude had better control over themselves. This contributed to overall development, especially with mental and emotional health. Spending time away from all the talking and noise can help bring clarity to one’s morals, values, goals and personality to help reflect on them for the better.