As the world becomes more and more connected, fast-paced, and busy, the thought of spending time alone disappears from our minds or, at times, is intimidating. People are slowly starting to relate the idea of spending solo time with loneliness and sadness, but it is seen that embracing this alone time can help with personal growth, creativity, and a greater connection with oneself. This can be a quiet evening spent at home watching a movie or a solo trip somewhere; it is important to learn to appreciate your own company. Therefore, here I am to show some benefits of solo time, hopefully teaching you to embrace it a little more!
Enhanced Self-discovery
Always being around your friends, distracted by social media, never being home, when was the last time you truly sat there with your thoughts? No distractions? Alone time offers an opportunity for self-reflection, where you are finally able to explore your interests, values, and goals in life. Helpful with this can be journaling or meditation, good habits to implement in your daily life. Or even simply sitting in silence can help you uncover parts about your personality that maybe prior, obscured by the hustle of everyday life, you had overlooked.
Boosted Creativity
Historically known, it is in moments of solitude that writers, artists, and innovators can come up with their best ideas. It’s a time when you are free to think outside the box without being influenced by those around you. This may even lead you to breakthroughs in possible personal or professional projects. Remember to dedicate some time each week to engage in activities that activate your creativity, go out in nature and paint, sit on a bench and write a piece, or even brainstorm some ideas without the interruption that comes with social interactions.
Increased Productivity
In regards to productivity, it may seem that when working in groups it is higher, the idea of dividing the work, taking less time but reaching the same goal. But talking about it realistically, it can be quite draining in regards to energy, and it is easy to get distracted when the group is made up of all your friends. Taking some solo time and focus allows one to dive deep into tasks that may be important without many distractions. As solely studying alone can be boring, do keep some group studies, but remember to set aside blocks of time to focus solely on your work, and you’ll accomplish all that you had to do.
Strengthened Independence
How often do you feel like you depend on people? You don’t meet up, you get bored. You don’t text someone; the friendship is not existent anymore. Being comfortable in your own company is a very powerful skill to have as it cultivates in you a sense of independence and self-reliance, which will enhance your confidence. Many activities you would never dare do unless with friends – dining at a restaurant, traveling, going to the movies – when you learn to enjoy them solo, you start enjoying them just as much, empowering yourself more.
If you are unsure where to begin, try exploring what you usually do that brings you joy, but SOLO!
Take a hike, go for a bike ride, visit a museum, go to your favorite artist’s concert, and see, you’ll equally enjoy it alone. Take some time to take up reading again, turn your phone off, and enjoy your old hobbies in peace.
Indeed, narratives often portray solo time as something intimidating to be avoided. However, it is important to notice that spending time alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Reframing your mindset on this topic can help you embrace these moments and take up these new habits. So, the next time you feel the urge to fill up your calendar packed with social events, remember to keep some time for yourself as well.
Featured Image Courtesy of Sam Soyombo
