While no one wants to feel lonely, we can experience many benefits from spending time alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling to concentrate, or just need some time to yourself, a little solitude might be just what you need. And you can even find solitude when you are not alone! Spending a little time alone each day can yield many benefits.

• Self-awareness and self-knowledge. It’s hard to give yourself a lot of attention and notice the more subtle aspects of yourself when there are other people and activities constantly swirling around you. Spending time alone gives you a chance to catch your breath and reflect. During moments of solitude, you can notice your thoughts and thought patterns and you can observe things about yourself that are hard to see when you’re distracted.

• Focus. Solitude allows you to focus. Having uninterrupted time to focus on a single task or goal can be life-altering.

• Creativity. Nearly all of the greatest scientists, authors, artists, composers, musicians, and inventors lived in solitude much of the time. Solitude can enable you to achieve the level of creativity necessary to excel in your chosen field.

• Productivity. You can get a lot more done when you spend time in solitude. It takes time and energy to recover from distractions Every distraction requires time and energy to recover and get back on track You may find that you can accomplish much more in a couple of hours of solitude than you can in a full day spent with others.

• Self-care. Solitude can give you the opportunity to take care of yourself, and explore your interests, without the need of attending to the needs of others.

• Mental health. Spending some time alone on a regular basis can do wonders for your mental health. Solitude gives you a chance to unwind and take a break from the stress of dealing with others.

Creating Solitude

You don’t need to go to the wilderness or live like a hermit to experience solitude.  Try some of these ideas for building solitude into your day.

• Close your door. Getting some alone time can be as simple as hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign and shutting your door.

• Turn off your phone. Create some cell phone free time into your schedule.  Give yourself permission to disconnect for a while.

• Eat alone. If you don’t have an office at work, perhaps you can enjoy a little escape during lunch. Eating alone can be a time of peace and relaxation.

• Build some solitude into your weekends. Make plans to visit a park, sit on your deck, take a long walk, visit a museum or gallery, read a book at the library, or just at relax home alone.

• Take a trip. Consider a change of scene – get out of town for a few days and seclude yourself. Many authors use this tactic to finish a book.

Solitude can be great for your mind, body, and spirit! Spend a little time alone each day and see what happens. You’ll soon look forward to your period of solitude each day.

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