“We all get stuck. We all lose ourselves a little bit in a fantasy or in our jobs and forget how we feel about other things. It’s really important to check yourself, to spend some time alone“-Amanda Seyfried.
Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean you are lonely. It can be the perfect opportunity to seek solace and gather your thoughts.
I can admit that sometimes I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew. When I take on multiple commitments and tackle deadlines it can cause me to sometimes feel overwhelmed and lost. However, whenever I feel stressed out or overwhelmed with specific tasks, I tend to take a hiatus and be in my own company. This allows me to think things through and recharge. I believe that what deters people from downing tools and spending time alone, is the fear of looking or feeling lonely. However, this is not the case. I believe that as a society we need to be more aware about the difference between being alone and being lonely.
Alone… lonely, what’s the difference?
Being alone is a physical state, whereas feeling lonely is an emotional state. I believe that being alone at times has many benefits as it enables us to refresh and be introspective. An abundance of research also conveys the benefits of solitary and demonstrates why more of us should take time away from our busy schedules.
Photo by S. Migaj, Unsplash
Research and support for solitude
· Philosophers such as Nietzsche believed that being alone is essential for self-reflection, creative and intellectual productivity (Cady, 2010).
· An abundance of spiritual leaders from many religions endorse solitude, as they believe it is essential for spiritual enlightenment and personal growth (Storr, 1988; Cady, 2010).
· During their research Long and Averill (2003) found that individuals who spend a lot of time by themselves gain positive attributes such as: increased self-awareness and freedom, as well as enhanced spirituality.
· Psychological scholar Koch (1994) found that the advantages of solitude comprised of mental restoration, paying attention to your personal needs and the serenity of one’s mind.
Don’t be afraid to take that break!
With the benefits that come from spending time alone, don’t be afraid to shut off the world for a bit. I assure you; you will feel ready to take on your deadlines and complete that task efficiently.
Written by – Romani Reid
Featured photo by – Anthony Tran, Unsplash
We know that mental health can be a difficult subject to talk about so we are striving to create a safe, welcoming and supportive space for everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Any questions? Get in touch using the details on our Contact Us page, or via our Instagram or Facebook.
If you are unwell and need urgent help, please reach out for support straight away.