“Researchers have tended to pay more attention to the maladaptive side of solitude — that wanting to be alone is symptomatic of depression or social withdrawal or something unfavorable,” says Thuy-vy Nguyen, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Durham in the U.K. “But when you ask people, many report that time spent alone is something they really enjoy.”

Nguyen’s specialty is solitude; she’s published more than a dozen papers on the topic.

• “One of the benefits we’ve found is that unstructured solitude can help calm stress and emotional arousal,” she says. Whether what you’re feeling is pleasant or unpleasant, she says that undistracted alone time tends to turn down the volume of what you’re feeling.

Most of us can probably recall a trip with friends or a holiday at home where, despite everything being great, we’ve felt the need to step away and be by ourselves from time to time. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, Nguyen says.

• Research has found time spent alone can enhance creativity and support “metacognition,” which is a greater awareness of one’s own thought processes. Put another way, spending time alone can be a great way to get to know yourself better.

When you’re around other people — either in real life or online — it can be difficult to escape the gravity of their viewpoints. Many of history’s greatest minds — artists, mathematicians, inventors, leaders — have relied on periods of undistracted solitude to cultivate their ideas. There’s also evidence that undistracted alone time supports the brain’s executive functions, which help us sort and make sense of information.

All that said, the cliché of the troubled loner isn’t groundless. Especially during youth and adolescence, there’s good evidence that kids who prefer to spend most or all of their time alone are likelier to develop anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. And, at any age, if your time alone is characterized by self-criticisms or other negative ruminations — repeating thoughts that cause you anxiety or distress — that’s not a good thing, Nguyen says.

Any close examination of solitude and social interaction reveals a messy picture. But one thing seems clear: most people need both.

Far from being a problem, the ability to spend time alone may be an essential life skill that more of us would do well to cultivate."

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✨Takeaway: Too much alone time followed with negative rumination can be unhealthy. However, a balance of unstructured solitude doesn't have to be unhealthy. Unstructured solitude can soothe tension and stimulation of the emotions. Additionally, individuals view solitude as a chance for rest and relaxation or to recharge.

✨Reflection: What's your favorite alone time activity?

#Solitude #Alone #Habits #Health #Wellness #Wellbeing

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