In recent years, experts have been lamenting the fact that people are now spending more time alone than ever — a phenomenon they say is causing a veritable “loneliness epidemic.”
In fact, some therapists have deemed the problem so widespread they’ve even resorted to prescribing “socializing” to their patients.
But there are those that contend there is a big difference between loneliness — and solitude.
“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,” Virginia Thomas, an assistant professor of psychology at Middlebury College in Vermont, recently wrote in The Conversation.
“[But] 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.”
As someone who has spent years studying the joys and pitfalls of being alone, Thomas believes our isolation anxiety “stems in large part from our culture’s deficit view of solitude.”
“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,” she wrote. “In this cultural milieu, preferring to be alone carries stigma.”
On the contrary, Thomas says research shows being alone has at least three major benefits.
Gives you time to recharge
Taking time for oneself can be rejuvenating.
A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that just 15 minutes of solitude can significantly reduce high-arousal emotions like anxiety and increase feelings of calmness.
This emotional “deactivation” allows individuals to reset and recharge, leading to improved mental clarity and reduced stress levels.
Provides room for personal growth
Solitude offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal development.
Research indicates that individuals who spend time alone often experience increased autonomy and a stronger sense of self.
A 2023 study in Scientific Reports revealed that participants who chose to spend more time alone felt less stressed and more in control of their lives.
This intentional alone time fosters self-awareness, allowing individuals to align more closely with their personal values and goals.
Let’s you connect with your emotions and creativity
Being alone can also enhance emotional intelligence and creativity – as solitude provides the mental space needed to process emotions and generate innovative ideas.
A 2021 study involving over 1,200 French adults during a strict 55-day COVID-19 lockdown found a significant increase in everyday creativity, particularly among those who were less creative beforehand.
