3 main benefits of being alone, according to a psychologist

In recent years, experts have been crying the fact that people are now spending more time only than ever – a phenomenon they say is causing a true “loneliness” epidemic.

In fact, some therapists have considered the problem so widespread that they have even been directed to describe “association” for their patients.

But there are those who claim to have a big difference between loneliness – and loneliness.

“Loneliness and isolation are truly social problems that guarantee serious attention, especially as chronic states of loneliness are associated with poor results such as depression and an abbreviated life expectancy,” wrote Virginia Thomas, a professor of psychology at Middlebury in Vermont, recently wrote in the conversation.

“[But] For some people, the relocation to loneliness is a desire for what scholars call ‘loneliness positive’, a state that is associated with well -being, not with loneliness. “

As someone who has spent years studying the joys and traps of being alone, Thomas believes that our anxiety of isolation “stems largely from the appearance of the deficit of our culture for loneliness”.

“In this type of thinking, the desire to be only is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something that must be deceived or afraid than to be appreciated or encouraged,” she wrote. “In this cultural environment, preferring to be just stigma bears.”

On the contrary, Thomas says research shows that being only has at least three main benefits.

Gives you time to recharge

Time for yourself can be renewal.

A study published in the Personality Bulletin and social psychology found that only 15 minutes can significantly reduce emotions with high arousal such as anxiety and increase feelings of calm.

This emotional “deactivation” allows individuals to restore and replenish, leading to improving mental clarity and lowering stress levels.

Provides space for personal growth

Solitude offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal development.

Research shows that individuals who spend time only often experience increased autonomy and a stronger sense of themselves.

A 2023 study in scientific reports found that participants who chose to spend more time only felt less stressed and more in control of their lives.

This deliberate time only promotes consciousness, allowing individuals to align more closely with their personal values ​​and goals.

Let’s connect with your emotions and creativity

Being can only improve emotional intelligence and creativity – as loneliness provides the mental space needed to process emotions and generate innovative ideas.

A 2021 study that includes over 1,200 French adults during a strict 55-day block of Covid-19 found a significant increase in daily creativity, especially among those who were less creative before.