Human beings are naturally social, with over-scheduled days and many people to meet. We think it is not essential to leave some time out to spend with ourselves. Not to mention, many people consider the idea of being alone an uncomfortable one. Spotting someone enjoying a movie solo or spending Friday night elicits pity since we tend to associate solitude with loneliness or isolation. Spending time alone has been shown to offer many benefits.
It is necessary to distinguish between loneliness and being alone. Loneliness results from feelings that have not been returned or an expectation unfulfilled. Aloneness is different. Aloneness is finding freedom in this very same isolation; it's the strange state of bliss that comes with being truly, honestly, and unapologetically content with your own company." Being alone is seeing the benefits of being away from others at times and being able to connect with yourself.
Surprisingly, researchers have found that people who live alone tend to be more social. One hypothesis surrounding this is that by giving yourself more time to recharge, you can give more to other people without feeling exhausted. Also sitting alone gives you the chance to hear your voice, your own opinions, and your desires. Doing so can be incredibly important to understanding yourself and what you want in life.
Some might argue that being alone is essential to creativity, allowing your brain to ignore the external and focus inward. When you’re alone, your mind can wander, calm itself, and get in touch with your wants and needs. If you're not sure you believe this, think about the last time you were on deadline in a loud room and couldn’t get a single thing done. Were you having a mental block? Try some solitude next time to avoid a block and tap into your creativity.
Want to get something done? Do it yourself—literally. Whether you’re shopping, doing homework, or trying to binge-watch a show, you’ll be more productive and efficient when no one else is around to bug you. Or based on what researchers in Calgary found, you won’t be distracted by watching how someone else completes a task, so you will be more productive.
In the end, people need time alone, especially college students in a world filled with so much activity, they need to sit back, recharge, and be their best selves.
