As a college student, being alone has become a pretty uncommon venture. Not often do we get a chance to be alone and take a breath on our own. Our lungs are constantly being pushed and pulled on by everyone and everything else around us.

We are constantly surrounded by roommates, professors and coworkers; and when we get to visit our old stomping grounds, we are smothered in the overwhelming affection of friends and family members we have not seen in a while. If I have learned anything in my last few years as a college student, being alone is a misrepresented and under appreciated luxury.

We are so used to stimulation from others, whether it be in person or through technology. Our phones are blinding our perception to be truly alone. Even when we get a chance to truly be alone, we last an entire few seconds before we switch on our phones and open Instagram to mindlessly scroll through picture after picture to feel a sense of connection to someone. We don't know how to be alone and when given the chance, we don't know how to truly take advantage of it.

Feelings of boredom, isolation and loneliness settle in all too quickly. What needs to be recognized is the difference between being alone and loneliness. Being alone is a physical description of one's of presence, while loneliness is an emotional state of mind.

While introverted individuals usually have mastered the act of being alone a little more gracefully than extroverts, I think it is very important for every type of person to try to better their ability to be alone.

It is essential to understand where your discomfort resonates when you are truly alone. Is it a lack of true connection with others? Is it a past event where you felt traumatized for being alone? Do you only feel secure when others are around you?

We all have a trigger and this step of self-exploration is often the most difficult step. Spending time alone gives you an incredible opportunity to find direction and purpose for your life. In a world often consumed with noise, this time by yourself is important to help create value for your life.

When you get to spend some time alone, in those moments, the only thing stopping you from creating your dreams is you. You get a chance to carve out your sense of self, immerse yourself in your passions and your dreams and to create something truly meaningful to your personal self.

Learn to love being alone.