Introduction
People tend to be social creatures and socializing is important in our life. However, having alone time is also essential to one’s mental health. Having some time to yourself gives you a chance to care more about your own emotions and thoughts.
Aloneness vs. Loneliness
AlonenessLonelinessInvolved in finding freedom, happiness and inspiration in solitudeMarked by negative feelings associated with isolationVital for emotional and physical wellnessNegative health consequences
Remember that aloneness DOES NOT equal loneliness. Finding time to be alone can have a number of key benefits while loneliness can have negative health consequences.
Importance
1. Personal exploration
exploring your own passion / particular interest
without pressure and judgements
critical for personal development: focus more on yourself instead of others’ opinions
self-reflection: improve yourself as a person with a positive mindset
2. Creativity
One study found that people who tend to purposely withdraw in order to spend time alone also tend to be highly creative people
3. Productivity
Complete the things not yet done
4. Focus on health
eliminate toxicity in your life and allow yourself to “reset”
care more about own self
e.g having a healthy diet, meditation
5. Find comfort
have more control over your life if you spend your alone time meaningfully
increase your overall happiness
Signs when you need alone time
Have trouble concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling anxious when spending time with others
Losing interest in doing things with others
Ways to spend time alone and get the most out of it
1. Pick a time
choose a suitable time that you feel comfortable with and ensure that others won’t interrupt you
2. Get rid of distractions
turn off social media or electronic devices
only concentrate on yourself
Stop all negative thoughts
3. Planning
creating structures in your life
cherish the time you get to yourself
e.g. meditation, slow reading, exploring hobbies, taking a walk to restore yourself
Creating space to be alone
1. Be clear
Tell the people around you, such as family and friends, that you need time alone
2. Be specific
Tell them what this means
e.g you need to spend some alone time to meditate
3. Return the favor
Be considerate when others need to do the same thing
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