Now I don't think anyone truly believes that living an isolated life, akin to a hermit, is a good thing. But did you know--some "alone time" actually can be a good thing. Read more about it:
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Americans have a complicated relationship with alone time. Though we often feel a constant connection because of social media, the fact is, we're more on our own than ever: More than 50 percent of American adults are single, and some 27 million people live alone. In 1950, just 22 percent of American adults were single, and 4 million lived alone. Combine that with people getting married later in life, and we're all just having more QT with ourselves.
Alone time, of course, is different than loneliness, which carries some health risks,
including increased risk of heart disease and depression. But carving
out some "me time," on the other hand, is a pretty awesome idea.
Think
you'll have a terrible time at the movies alone? That's probably not
the case. In fact, you'll have an equally good time partaking in fun
activities on your own as you would if you were doing them with other
people, according to a study conducted by business professors Rebecca
Ratner of the University of Maryland and Rebecca Hamilton of Georgetown
University. The not-so-fun part comes in when you're thinking about how
others are perceiving your aloneness and worrying that they simply think
you have no one to hang out with.
"[The research] provides empirical support for a key premise of our investigation: consumers who forego hedonic activities alone are missing out on opportunities for rewarding experiences," the researchers wrote, according to Science Of Us.
Being alone will make you more creative ...
If
you're a fan of brainstorming with others, you might want to rethink
that. When coming up with ideas and strategies, research shows that
people come up with their best material on their own.
"Decades
of research have consistently shown that brainstorming groups think of
far fewer ideas than the same number of people who work alone and later
pool their ideas," Keith Sawyer, a psychologist at Washington University
in St. Louis said, according to The Washington Post.
... And probably make you work harder
Remember
group projects in school? There was always someone who wasn't pulling
their weight, and that's because of the concept of "social loafing"
or the assumption that less effort has to be exerted because more than
one person is involved. Taking on a task alone is probably the best way
to get it done quickly and efficiently.
If you're an introvert, alone time is key to your happiness
It's no secret that introverts interact differently with the world -- and one of the most important things to introverts is their solo time.
"Think of each of us as having a cup of energy available," HuffPost blogger Kate Bartolotta
explained. "For introverts, most social interactions take a little out
of that cup instead of filling it the way it does for extroverts. Most
of us like it. We're happy to give, and love to see you. When the cup is
empty though, we need some time to refuel."
Taking on activities on your own can help you meet new people
If
you've been feeling a little lonely lately, try taking on one of your
favorite activities on your own. Not only will you have fun, but you
might meet someone who shares your interests.
While
traveling alone, for example, Ratner said she made social connections
easily. "I found myself talking to people more alone than I normally
would traveling with other people, when you're more insulated," she
said, according to Science Of Us.
Spending time alone can help with depression, especially in teens
A 1997 study found that alone time was key for teens. "Adolescents ... who spent an intermediate amount of their time alone were better adjusted than those who spent little or a great deal of time alone," explained the study, authored by emotional development expert Reed W. Larson.
It helps clear your mind
Our
brains need to rest and recharge in order to function as well as we
want them to. So even if you're not an introvert, alone time is still
important for processing and reflecting.
"Constantly being 'on' doesn't give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself," Sherrie Bourg Carter,
Psy.D. wrote in Psychology Today. "Being by yourself with no
distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think
more clearly. It's an opportunity to revitalize your mind and body at
the same time."
You get to do what you actually want to do.
If
your friend or partner wants to spend the day watching football and
you'd rather spend it on a hike, choosing the solo path will probably
end up being a lot more fun for you. Similarly, if you decide to take an
entire day for yourself, you get to spend that day doing exactly what
you want to do. Doesn't sound too shabby, does it?
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