In our wonderful, complex, connected world where everything is so consistently "on," it is indescribably important to find time to switch into "do not disturb" mode.

Everything in our lives today is instant, from the way we make our coffee in the morning, to the way we communicate with people hundreds of miles away. We are constantly being buzzed, messaged, and reminded of things to be done next or people to reply to now, that we sometimes forget about ourselves. In planning our day and even our week, when do we ever put "alone time" on that list of things to do?

As a 22-year-old college student who is part of this world of communication, my days are filled with texts, snaps, tweets, posts, calls, meetings, parties, lunches, coffee dates, and on and on and on. While I love being able to get in touch with the people I care about, I find myself in a constant tug-o-war between being social and finding time to be alone.

My friends and family often joke that I'm far too stubborn about doing things by myself. For a long time I thought this was just my trying to be independent, but the older I've gotten the more I've realized what this actually is. It isn't that I don't want to ask for help, but that I'd rather spend time alone occasionally.

In the last year, I've grown to accept and embrace my need to be alone and I think you should too. And here's why:

1. Alone time allows you to recharge.

Being "on" all the time doesn't allow your mind rest. Being alone allows you to recharge your mind, center your thoughts, and prepare for another day of socializing. I have found that I am the best friend, sibling, daughter, and woman when I have recently allowed myself to reset my mind.

2. Alone time encourages creativity.

We live in such a fast-paced world, we rarely have time to stop and smell the roses. Well when you're alone, I urge you to do this. Sit outside and wonder about the world. Observe the clouds floating by you and wonder why they are the way they are, think about your dreams, make something new out of something old, people watch and then pray that they are happy, draw a picture even if you can't, take a picture with your mind, and thank the Lord for the way the air smells and the crunch of leaves sound on a new fall day.

"Accept and nurture the stuff you're passionate about, even if it's weird. In fact the weirder the better."

3. Alone time promotes independence.

When you are constantly surrounded by people, it can be confusing to decipher what you're capable of doing alone. Remind yourself how strong you are. Answer your own questions, build your own shelf, study alone- you just may be surprised how much you can do when you have no interruptions and distractions. Sometimes it's not even human distractions, but rather electronic ones. Figure out how to get to that new restaurant without Google, make a decision without reading the reviews first, be independent not just when you have to, but because you want to.

4. Alone time enables perspective.

When you are alone you are able to develop and nurture your own thoughts. Living by a to-do list causes you to go through the motions of life, but being alone allows for time to reflect. I have had some of my most eye-opening realizations about my life and my decisions when I allow myself to be alone to consider and develop my own thoughts and opinions.

5. Alone time teaches you to love yourself.

When we are continuously surrounded by people, it is easy to compare ourselves to others and wish we were something better or something different. But, being alone can reveal to ourselves our own worth and beauty. I am the type of person who naturally gives all of myself to my relationships. If I'm going to be a part of your life I'm going to do so completely. If you call me at 3:00 a.m. needing a ride, I will come and pick you up, even if I have to be awake at 6:00 a.m. But I have found that I cannot give myself to the people I love the way they deserve if I do not allow myself time to reset. Allowing yourself to be alone is allowing time for self-investment. Close your door, disconnect, and enjoy yourself because you are a fantastic, unique soul worthy of your own time.

"So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers."

So go for a run in a beautiful part of town, build something, collect a journal full of quotes, pray, learn another language, pick up a book, window shop, drive nowhere with the windows down and your favorite playlist on, sit in your backyard and stare at the sky, spend an ungodly amount of time in the dollar section of Target just to buy none of it, venture into an antique store, reorganize your drawers even though you have an entire house to clean.

Do whatever you like, but do it alone whenever you feel the urge. John Mayer said it best, people: "Don't be scared to walk alone. Don't be scared to like it."