Exploring The Perks Of Solitude

Solitude is the state of being alone. This means the absence of human connection or activity, seclusion, and remote placement from others.

The practice of being alone, and enjoying your own company can be very rewarding. Her Agenda explores the upside of getting to know oneself as a whole, and understanding what it means to enjoy one’s solitude. 

“Solitude is beneficial in multiple ways,” said Hannah Holmes, PhD, licensed psychologist. “It provides us time and space to really connect to our own thoughts and feelings, generating insights and creative new ideas we might not have encountered with the distraction of others.”

The beauty of solitude is you only have to focus on yourself. You get to enjoy who you are, what you want, and how you want. Getting to know yourself in the process can be a beautiful experience as well. Solitude can be a gift of self-love.

Isolation is often projected upon solitude, however they aren’t the same. It’s like apples and oranges; while they’re slightly similar, they don’t produce the same results.

“Isolation is rejection of the outside world,” said Ciara Bogdanovic, LMFT. “Rejection of social supports or connection leads to distress and emotional pain. Solitude is different as it does not reject connection to others, but instead recognizes the importance of connection to self. We need both to thrive.”

“Start small,” said Dr. Victoria Grinman, PhD, LCSW-R. “Create intentional spaces to be with yourself, short walks without your phone, tea time, journaling without an agenda, simply sitting in your own company.”

You can also do things as simple as sitting in your car, taking yourself out to lunch, or exercising at the park. You’ll still be around other people while being alone simultaneously.

“For many, solitude brings forward feelings we’d rather avoid,” Victoria said. “But staying with yourself in those tender moments without judgment, without rushing to fill the space, is how self-love becomes more than a concept. It becomes embodied.”

“Solitude allows the nervous system to recalibrate,” Victoria said. “It reduces overstimulation and offers an environment where creativity, problem-solving, and emotional clarity can emerge organically.”

Victoria said in solitude we are no longer performing.

“We are no longer reacting,” she said. “We are simply being and from that place, deeper alignment and wiser action are born.”

This is proven to be true as many artists such as painters and sculptures say that they produce their best work alone. Many authors and poets also say solitude creates a space of freedom to explore different avenues without consideration of others.

“Yes, there is such a thing as being alone too often,” Hannah said. “For example, depression sometimes causes people to become more isolated from loved ones, leaving them with little support system. But if you remain connected with the important people in your life and engage in activities you enjoy, solitude is a powerful tool for rest, self-care, and greater self-connection.”

Additionally, Ciara states that if you choose solitude mindfully you will find a balance between spending time with yourself and spending time with others. 

Ciara said choosing alone time out of fear or avoidance of social situations is not coming from a mindful place, it is coming from an emotion driven place. These choices driven by painful emotions can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression.