Where are you right now?
Are you in class or at work reading this on your phone? Are you eating lunch right now, food in one hand and phone in the other? Or are you alone, in your bed on your phone, scrolling through the internet at the end of the day, unwinding from a long day of doing (or not doing) things?
Right now, as you're reading this do you feel alone? By using whatever device you're using and reading this article, you have temporarily removed yourself from the world around you. But don't worry, you're not the only one. Everyone does it. We all take small escapes throughout the course of the day. We all waste time scrolling through social media, or take longer in the shower, or put in our earbuds when we're in public to tune out the world around us.
Why do we do this?
We humans are told that scientifically, we are social creatures. We need a community of people to support us and for us to grow. However, some people more than others need time away from the community to regenerate and to recollect our thoughts. Rather than feeling like there is something wrong with the people that would rather spend some time away from the group don't like people altogether, take a moment to become more aware of them, learn what they're really like, and why they do what they do.
Introverts vs. Extroverts
Is there any in between?
Some people try to categorize others by calling them an introvert or an extrovert depending on how social they are when you meet them. While this can generally be an indicator, it doesn't necessarily determine if you are in fact an introvert or an extrovert. It all has to do with how you want to spend leisure time and how you are reenergized. Many people are actually ambiverts, people who can be introverted or extroverted depending on the circumstances. Here's another article about it. Some introverts have extroverted tendencies, and vice versa.
For example, me! I myself am an ambivert, so I have both introverted and extroverted tendencies. Most people generally see me as an extrovert, especially when their initial encounters with me are brief. When I have to deal with extended socialization with a group, I'll generally become more withdrawn and want to hide for a while. I socialize best with two or three other people, but no more, so groups make me want to avoid all people for a while after that. Most people wouldn't know that about me.
It generally becomes more obvious when I'm tired or busy, and as a student, that is most definitely this time of the year. Oh goodness, it is perfectly exhibited. I have two - possibly three - papers, a project, and a couple tests coming up or due soon and I just want to hide from the world.
Why is it good for you?
Hiding from the world isn't a bad thing, assuming you're timing it right and doing it right. If you don't take a proper amount of time for yourself to rest, rather than working the entire time that you have to yourself, then your alone time won't be as effective. It's good to rest regularly and take time for yourself routinely in order to maintain your best mindset and best attitude.
I highly recommend taking 15 to 30 minutes per day to relax and reflect, as well as one hour a week on any given day to pamper yourself. Here, here, and here are all reasons why you should spend some time alone and make yourself your new best friend. You'll feel so much better, you'll be less stressed, and you'll be properly taking care of yourself - both mind and body - and giving yourself the love you deserve!
