Ontario, Canada (CU)_ Majority of people feel that socializing is beneficial to stress relief, and that it should be done on a regular basis. While there is nothing wrong with it, it is equally important to know how to spend time alone and thoroughly appreciate your own company. According to Dr Ruhi Satija, consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist, alone time is important for mental wellbeing. She says, “Being around other people comes with rewards, but it also creates stress. You worry about what people think, you alter your behaviour to avoid rejection and to fit in with the rest of the group”.
The doctor states that there is a distinction between loneliness and being alone. According to her, loneliness is connected with negativity and a sense of exclusion. She states, “Whereas being alone helps you become more comfortable in your own skin. When you’re by yourself, you can make choices without outside influences. And that will help you develop more insight into who you are as a person.” Dr Satija lists some of the major benefits of alone time.
- Personal exploration: Spending time with yourself and feeling at ease enables you to comprehend your choices, preferences, and dislikes. You will have a better understanding of your behaviors.
- Creativity: Creativity is an excellent thing for mental health maintenance. Time spent on a passion and allowing your mind to create something is a wonderful way for happiness; yet, this demands isolation and time, which are tough to come by when you are always with others.
- Social energy: There are times when you do not want to live in another person’s shambles. However, if you live alone, you can dine alone, or spend time alone, and you have complete control over your actions. There will be no one to judge you, no one to tell you what to do, and no one to grate on your nerves. Low negativity results in high positivity, which refreshes your mood and attitude.
- Productivity: If you are not concerned with what others are doing or how they see you, your productivity improves exponentially.
- Empowerment: Allow your newly acquired independence to strengthen you. Discover how to be safe when you are alone to assist you in relaxing and enjoying your new independence.
- The doctor goes into further detail on the distinction between asocial and antisocial behavior. He says, “Antisocial behaviour (avoiding social contact) can be bad for mental health, it can be a symptom of anxiety or depression, whereas being unsociable (preferring alone time because you enjoy it) can actually be good.”
Certain things you can do on your own when you are alone include the following:
- Minimize needless consumption. While being informed of global happenings is perfectly acceptable, developing an addiction to the news may depress your mood.
- Consider doing things which you love in your spare time, your favorite recipes or watching favorite movies.
- Take the effort to cultivate great relationships with individuals who care for your progress and enrich your life. In future, you may prioritize these important relationships.
- Think of having a pet animal. A furry small buddy can significantly boost your happiness and energy levels as well as alleviate stress.
