5 benefits of loneliness that people rarely talk about, according to psychologists

Clifton Kopp by Clifton Kopp | April 30, 2024, 9:30 pm

Loneliness has gotten a pretty bad rap in recent years. 

And rightly so, as US general surgeon Dr. Vivek H. Murthy has pointed out

“The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.”

Yikes, right? 

Basically, loneliness is a killer; there’s no getting around it. 

But, and it’s a big but, this has led some people to believe that we should never be alone, and this is absolutely untrue. 

I am in no way saying that we should strive to be isolated or alone all the time, but there are actually many psychology-backed benefits to spending at least some time alone. 

Today, we get into four of them. 

1) It’s a stress reducer

Have you ever felt like the world is just too much, and you’re on the brink of burning out? 

Well, as it turns out, solitude could be the answer. 

Recent research from the University of Reading found that “Spending more hours alone was linked with increased feelings of reduced stress.” 

This suggests that taking a break from the constant social buzz can actually help calm our minds and lower our stress levels.

However, researchers also noted that too much time alone was associated with less satisfaction. So where’s the line? How much time should we spend alone? 

Well, unfortunately, there is no specific time it seems. 

As noted by the lead study author Professor Netta Weinstein, the study highlighted that “spending time alone can be a healthy, positive choice, and that there is no universal level of socialisation or solitude to aim for.”

It depends on each person; you might need more time alone than I do, or vice versa. 

This is echoed by Kendra Cherry, a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist, who, in a Very Well Mind post, noted that “Our desire for alone time is influenced by our personality. Where extroverts often dislike being alone, for instance, introverts tend to prefer it.”

The takeaway here?

Listen to your own needs. 

If your mind is signaling a timeout, don’t hesitate to step back and recharge alone. It might just be the stress reducer you need to maintain your mental health and overall well-being.

2) It can help to spark creativity

Did you know that some of the world’s most famous artists and thinkers, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Albert Einstein, and Emily Dickinson, really valued spending time alone

These individuals, among many others, found solitude to be crucial for their creativity. But why is that? 

Well, Einstein once said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” 

And research seems to support this notion, suggesting that alone time can indeed boost creativity. For instance, a 2017 study found a link between “unsociability” and creativity. 

As a writer, I’ve noticed this in my own life. Spending time alone, away from the noise and demands of social interactions, often leads to breakthroughs and bursts of inspiration.

I suppose this makes sense because creativity often requires uninterrupted thought and reflection—conditions that are much easier to achieve in solitude. 

Alone time allows us to explore our thoughts without distractions, to connect disparate ideas, and to allow our minds to wander freely. This process of internal exploration can lead to unique perspectives and novel ideas.

In essence, solitude acts as a catalyst that allows the creative process to flourish. It helps us delve into the depths of our imagination and see where it leads, something that can be difficult to do in a crowded or overly stimulating environment.

It’s not just about having the space to create—it’s also about giving our minds the freedom to explore without boundaries.

3) It might make us more productive

Here’s one that many of you will be interested in. 

Remember back during COVID-19 when you were working or studying from home? Sure, not being able to see friends and family was difficult, but were you more productive? 

If you said “yes,” you are not alone. 

In a study at the time, 40% of people reported being more productive working from home during the pandemic, while just 15% said the opposite.

The productivity benefits of being alone have also been acknowledged by experts like Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. As she pointed out in a Forbes article

“Although so many offices have started creating open floor plans so everyone can communicate more easily, studies show being surrounded by people kills productivity.” 

This insight highlights a significant shift in how we understand work environments and their impact on our efficiency.

The solitude afforded by working from home can minimize distractions and interruptions that are commonplace in traditional office settings. Without the usual office chatter or impromptu meetings, individuals often find it easier to focus intensely on the tasks at hand. 

This focused environment, it seems, can lead to faster completion of tasks, higher quality of work, and a deeper sense of satisfaction with one’s productivity.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should all work in isolation permanently, but it does suggest that incorporating more alone time into our work routine could be beneficial for many. 

4) It can help us to build a better relationship with ourselves

This is a big one, possibly the most important one, actually. 

As noted by Professor Weinstein, the lead author of the study I mentioned in the first point:

 “Our research found that when you have the time to spend time alone you start to build a healthy relationship with yourself and begin to be able to understand your own thoughts and feelings and figure out what you want.” 

This might sound obvious, and it is undoubtedly easy to overlook, but it’s so, so important.

If you are a regular reader here at GEE, you will know how often we emphasize the importance of knowing ourselves

Understanding who we are lays the groundwork for improved self-confidence, better decision-making, and more meaningful relationships. It’s the foundation from which we can grow, adapt, and navigate the complexities of life. 

And by spending time alone, we give ourselves the opportunity to reflect deeply, confront our true feelings, and align our actions with our personal values and aspirations.

So, if you are the sort of person who is always around others, it might be worth taking a step back to focus on yourself

Maybe try some journaling or other solitary activities that facilitate self-discovery and reflection. 

This isn’t about isolation; it’s about making intentional space for personal growth and self-understanding. Taking this time can transform how you view yourself and, ultimately, how you interact with the world.

5) Alone time can build mental strength

Let me start this one by giving you another reminder that social isolation or involuntary loneliness is simply not good for our mental health. 

As noted by psychiatrist Dr. Bell Washington, “Social isolation and loneliness lead to higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, memory issues, and even death.” 

However, other experts, like psychotherapist Amy Morin, acknowledge another side to spending time alone – that some alone time, when chosen, can indeed build mental strength. 

She has noted that “Studies show the ability to tolerate alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction, and improved stress management. People who enjoy alone time experience less depression.” 

The key here is enjoying being alone; there’s a big difference between being alone and loving it and being alone and hating it.

Like many things, this probably comes down to your own individual preferences. 

For example, as an introvert myself, embracing solitude is not just a respite but a necessity that replenishes my mental energy and strengthens my emotional resilience. 

Alone time doesn’t just help me unwind—it also empowers me to better confront challenges and engage more meaningfully when I do choose to socialize.

So, if you’re the type who always finds yourself surrounded by others, consider carving out some intentional alone time. 

Sure, it might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re not used to it, but the mental benefits can be substantial. 

Start with activities that feel nurturing and positive, such as reading, meditating, or simply sitting quietly in nature. Over time, you might find that these moments alone not only recharge your batteries but also enhance your mental toughness and overall well-being.

The bottom line 

So there you have it—while loneliness can undoubtedly be harmful, choosing solitude can enrich your life in numerous, often overlooked ways. 

Whether it’s boosting creativity, enhancing productivity, forging a stronger relationship with yourself, or building mental strength, a little alone time might just be the secret ingredient to a healthier, happier you. 

Don’t be afraid to embrace your own company every now and then—it could lead to some surprising discoveries about yourself and what you’re capable of achieving!