There are proven benefits to spending time by yourself. Learn to give yourself a time-out that feels like a restorative treat, not a punishment.
IF YOU’RE ONE OF THE RARE PEOPLE who like spending time by themselves, enjoy this article as validation of your natural instincts. If, on the other hand, you’re among those who would rather endure physical pain than spend time alone with your thoughts (true story: in a 2014 study published in Science, many of the participants preferred to give themselves electric shocks rather than spend 6 to 15 minutes by themselves with nothing to do), we’d like to change your mind about solitude.
People who value their alone time are often accused of being antisocial, aloof, or just plain weird. But recent research has uncovered positive benefits of solo time. “Studies show people feel rejuvenated when they are alone,” says Julie Bowker, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at the University at Buffalo in New York whose 2017 study revealed that unsociability— defined as deliberately withdrawing from social situations and choosing to be alone—was linked to an increase in creativity.
And those aren’t the only benefits of alone time, says Jack Fong, PhD, a professor of sociology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, who has studied solitude. “Today people feel overloaded being connected to the grid, and they’ve lost their ability to engage with the self,” he explains. “When you’re alone, you regain your center of gravity. You’re forced to confront yourself and get to know who you really are.” The payoff? “Solitude builds self-esteem, clarity, and empathy.”
Frame Your Mindset
This story is from the February 2019 edition of Real Simple.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2019 edition of Real Simple.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PUSH YOURSELF (IN A GOOD WAY)
Making your body a little uncomfortable can be great for you-if you do it right.
POWER UP
Did we catch you mid-yawn? Life can be exhausting, but these surprising tips will help you say so long to energy crashes.
5 HEALTHY HABITS TO START TODAY
Self-care musts for your 20s and 30s, midlife, and beyond.
STEP UP YOUR WALKS
Make sure your daily stroll is challenging, refreshing, and fun.
Bite-Size Workouts, Big Rewards
If you're too time-pressed to meet your fitness goals, don't worry: You can get lasting health benefits from a steady diet of exercise \"snacks.\"
SAY CHEESE
Look your best in every pic you take.
Healthy Hair for a Lifetime
Skip these common styling mistakes and shine on and on.
BUY BELIEVE
The real deal on how to manage the damage.
PROACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Dermatologists share what to look for in your skin-care picks to avoid fine lines, age spots, and sun damage.
COME HOME TO CALM
Make smart decor choices that are like a cozy hug for your brain.