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Our social lives are inextricably linked to our mental health, and strong social connections have been found to be positively related to emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
We have been repeatedly reminded of the numerous advantages of socializing and maintaining social connections, but the importance of spending time alone is not discussed nearly enough.
Loneliness, according to studies, has been shown to cause devastating health consequences like cognitive decline, elevated blood pressure, depression, and anxiety, and can even lead to premature death. However, it is important to note that loneliness and spending time alone are not one and the same.
There is an increasing level of awareness about the importance of spending time alone as just as vital as socializing for our emotional, mental, and physical wellness.
There are multiple signs that indicate that a person needs to spend some time alone for mental health benefits and to gain clarity about the intricacies of their lives. These signs include irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, social anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Mental health benefits of spending alone time
1) Time to reflect and unwind
When we socialize with others, we expend a lot of our mental and emotional energy, which we have to replenish by spending time alone. By spending time alone, we get a chance to think more clearly, focus, and clear our minds.
Spending time alone also gives us time to reflect on our daily lives, where we often don't have time to process our emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Spending time alone is also a great way to practice activities that facilitate self-reflection, such as journaling and meditation.
2) Creativity
Creativity has been shown to have several psychological health benefits and helps individuals in their work and personal lives. When you spend time alone, your mind is free to wander and calm itself while it connects with your needs and desires.
A study has shown that spending time alone and a lack of social stimulation helps the brain ramp up its creative network to fill the void.
3) Gratitude
Gratitude has many mental health benefits as it helps individuals focus on the positives in their lives. Gratitude has been proven to help individuals have a more positive outlook on their lives, which results in a greater sense of well-being.
Spending time alone allows individuals more time to reflect on their own thoughts and practice gratitude through various activities like gratitude journaling. Spending time alone also makes people more appreciative of their loved ones.
4) Improved relationships
While it may not seem apparent that spending time alone helps cultivate better relationships, it does as it allows us to gain a better understanding of who we are and what we desire in life.
Spending time alone allows us to explore our own interests and personalities, allowing us to form genuine bonds and attachments.
5) Reduced stress
Many people find that spending time alone helps them reduce their overall stress levels because they are not burdened by people-pleasing tendencies or social interactions. Trying to please others and interacting with others are often major stressors for people, and spending time alone allows individuals to avoid this stressor.
The time spent alone allows individuals to relax and practice activities that reduce stress, like watching a show, reading a book, exercising, and practicing mindfulness.
6) Improved mental well being
A study shows that spending time alone is absolutely vital for our mental well-being. Spending time alone allows us to develop our ability to sit with our thoughts, anxieties, and fears and helps us process other complex emotions in a healthier manner.
Spending time alone also allows individuals to improve their productivity and concentration levels, which helps them complete tasks and achieve their goals. This, in turn, helps the individual to build their self-esteem and psychological well-being.
Things to do on your own to improve your mental health
There are numerous things that a person can do on their own to improve their mental, physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.These include:
- Voluntering at charitable organizations that are non group based
- Learn something new
- Exercise
- Meditate
- Read a book
- Travel alone
- Travel into nature alone
- Go to the movies alone
- Go for a meal alone
The many benefits of socializing and spending time with other people have been shown to improve overall well-being, yet it is significantly important to give equal importance towards spending quality time alone.
Steve George Verghese is a trained psychologist with an MSc in Counseling Psychology from the Indian Institute of Psychology and Research.
