Solitude is often viewed as a negative thing. Experts praise the benefits of social connectivity. It’s linked with better immunity, stress resilience, and even longer lives. However, loneliness is often associated with being alone. Studies show loneliness and social isolation can increase your risk of developing heart disease, obesity and depression as well as high blood pressure and early death.
Research is increasingly showing the real benefits of doing things yourself. You can enjoy the activities that you love at your own pace. You can learn more about yourself by engaging in solitary pursuits and reflect upon your experiences.
Being Alone vs. Loneliness
There is much research that points to the psychological negatives of loneliness and isolation. However, increasing evidence suggests that quality time alone is crucial for well-being. Research suggests that some things are better done alone, without having to listen to or be influenced by others.
Research has shown that many people prefer solitude, despite their fears of being alone. Your personality greatly influences your desire to be alone.
You can determine whether solitude has a positive or detrimental effect on your well being by weighing in on your preferences. Introverts prefer being alone. Extroverts are more likely to dislike being alone. However, being introverted doesn’t mean you don’t want to be with others all the time. Even the most introverted people need to have a support system and social connections.
Extroverts don’t have to be able to enjoy their own company. Even though you may prefer the company of others, it is possible to learn to have some time to yourself.
It is important that you remember that loneliness and being alone are two different things. Being lonely can be a feeling of being isolated, despite the desire to make social connections. However, being alone is about taking some time for yourself in between social interactions.
If you see it in the right way, alone time can be very therapeutic for your mental health. You can find solitude to spark creativity, help you see the bigger picture, or just relax.
The survey was conducted by the BBC and the Wellcome collection. It found that most people find restful activities that can be done alone. Many people have a go-to activity for enjoying their company. We’ve collected a few of our favorite ways for you to spend your time alone if you find yourself feeling bored or struggling to find new activities.
Get a paintbrush.
Painting doesn’t require you to be a modern da Vinci. Take a glass of water and some paint and get started. Watch your stress melt away as you use every stroke. Are you unsure where to begin? Online video tutorials can help.
Bake some cookies.
You will feel great whether you are a novice baker or an experienced professional. Baking requires you to pay attention and can provide many psychological benefits. If you are looking for something new, try a cookie recipe.
Enjoy the music.
It doesn’t matter whether the music is on vinyl, cassettes, or streaming from Spotify. In a 2019 study, music listening reduced stress responses such as restlessness and high blood pressure. Concerts and live music are also finding new ways for us to connect .
Send a love letter.
Put down your phone and start writing. You will not only bring joy to the receiver, but you can also encourage creativity by writing by hand. Writing rhythmically allows you to slow down and enjoy it. Are you feeling a little lost? These tips will help you write the perfect handwritten note .
Enjoy a DIY spa treatment.
A face mask is a great way to feel refreshed. You’d be surprised at the results that even common pantry items can make for your skin. Get out your most comfortable robe and get to work. The DIY honey face mask is a quick and easy way to become a home beauty expert.
Start a scrapbook.
You can take a journey down memory lane while also becoming a crafternoon. You will feel happy looking back on your past, and you will find a peaceful place to focus while creating page layouts or cutting accents. It can be quite a challenge to recall the age of your old friends or children in a photo.
A celebrity can read your story.
To enjoy the pure nostalgia of a celebrity reading your favourite children’s book, you don’t need to be a child. Everyone, from Jennifer Garner to Reese Witherspoon, to Frozen’s Josh Gad is using social media to educate and entertain kids. You’ll feel transported back to the past when you listen in.
Reorganize your closet.
You can organize your wardrobe to find what you love, need, and want. Purging out unwanted clothes can be a great way to relieve stress, but it doesn’t have to mean that you should throw away all your clothes. You can organize your clothes by season, color or cut to give you a new perspective. Tidying up will help you feel better about yourself.
Grab your garden shears.
Get out and do some work. Frustrated? Get out there and get your hands dirty! Make a hole in the ground and plant something beautiful. Do you want to feel proud? Get rid of those weeds and put your garden back together. It can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while you garden.
Meditation is a skill that can be learned.
There are many ways to meditate, but training your mind can have profound benefits for self-esteem and stress management. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer hundreds of guided meditations that vary in length and focus.
