Society needs to overcome stigma of being alone
Solitude is a strange concept that has yet to be fully understood.
Society simultaneously craves it and fears it, especially in a world constantly connected through social media.
Biologically, humans are social creatures, living in groups and communicating with each other. Growing up, children are bombarded with the pressures to have many friends and be social. When Americans are raised to avoid isolation, we spend our lives feeling obligated to use our free time interacting with others.
This mentality, however, is detrimental to our health, but we cannot address its importance if we continue to tip-toe around it. To fully appreciate the value of being alone we must remove our negative outlook on it.
Personally, I am a very introverted person, which has always been misunderstood to the majority of people I encounter. For me, I require plenty of alone time to keep me sane and content.
When I choose to take a break from friends, I always feel a slight sense of shame. I am also one of those people who have an irrational fear of being alone forever. My emotional desires and doubts conflict with each other, which makes deciding how to divide my time very challenging.
Being alone has many benefits. Research shows that your best ideas will occur when brainstorming by yourself. Working on a task alone makes you more efficient and thorough, which also applies to group projects.
If you’re a proud introvert like me, you’ll know that the key to your happiness is regular solitude. Even if you’re more extroverted, alone time helps you think clearer and relieve stress. Taking a deep breath and slowing down during your hectic life is as crucial as eating healthy and exercising. Chances are, you’ll learn to listen to yourself and better understand who you are.
Incorporating more solitude into your everyday routine may seem unapproachable, but small steps can add up to this greater goal.
For example, start by regularly disconnecting yourself from your phone and social media, even if it’s only for an hour.
Schedule a little time each day, or a separate day altogether, dedicated to spending time alone however you want. Don’t be afraid to take yourself out to a relaxing meal or movie. If you ignore the thoughts of hesitation wondering what other people are thinking, you’ll realize that alone time can be just as fun, if not better, than doing activities in a group.
Don’t get me wrong – socializing is also very important to your well-being and social skills are necessary for functioning in everyday life. Also, feeling lonely and being alone are distinctly different and should be treated as so. I am emphasizing a healthy balance of navigating through social media and finding quiet moments to yourself.
Americans are alone now more than ever, both residentially and romantically, yet we still automatically pity someone sitting alone. Instead of feeling self-conscious about sitting by yourself, appreciate the sense of calmness it provides you.
The best therapy money can buy only costs a few moments with yourself. Rather than frowning upon the “loners,” let’s praise them for walking one step closer to mastering the art of being alone in our social culture.
