The Benefits of Time Alone: Why Solitude is Important for Mental Health
Time alone has become taboo. For many of us, we have friends who complain about being too busy and have to put their children in daycare. We're all so busy that we're rarely able to slow down to actually enjoy life. But is it really a bad thing to take some time to yourself?
This week I've been reflecting on how I can make sure that I can still have my life, without sacrificing my mental health. There is nothing wrong with making time to relax. Here are some of the benefits of having time alone:
- It’s time to unwind
It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in, you deserve to unplug and relax. Many people are so accustomed to living in an environment of constant stimulation that they don’t realize that a break from technology can actually help improve their mood and their productivity.
- A break can help you reflect
Being alone is important for clearing your head and letting go of negative thoughts and feelings. Taking some time out to think about things that have happened over the past few days is something that you can’t possibly do with other people around.
- It’s time to get things off your chest
One thing that you can guarantee is that time alone will get you talking to yourself. Whether it’s about your past, about a future goal, or even about a relationship, taking time to get things off your chest will definitely help you gain some clarity on what matters.
- It’s a great way to start a new hobby
One of the most enjoyable things about having a hobby is that it helps us to focus our thoughts on something other than our daily lives. For example, I used to be obsessed with cooking, but I stopped for a while because I was too busy focusing on my children. Now, however, I’m happy to say that I’m starting to pick it back up again.
- It’s time to pursue your passion
One of the greatest problems that we face in our society is how to find meaning in our lives. This isn’t a problem that goes away after we graduate from school. In fact, it becomes worse the older we get.
Many people will have a hard time finding something that inspires them in the same way that they did when they were younger. Instead, many people will have trouble finding a job or pursuing a career. In order to change that, we have to find something that truly inspires us.
- It’s a time for reflection
Solitude is great for bringing together all of the thoughts, emotions, and ideas that you have in your mind. As such, it’s a great place for you to come back to after a stressful day or when you need to think about something deeply.
Although these six points aren’t the only reasons why you need to make time for solitude, they are the ones that I believe in the