The Importance Of Alone Time | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Importance Of Alone Time

Why solitude is actually essential to your well-being

10
The Importance Of Alone Time
Leadership Upgrade

I walk to class with one headphone in my ear, the other swinging alongside me, allowing me to enjoy the simultaneous sound of my favorite song, as well as the noises of my surroundings. Although it seems minimal and unimportant, this walk to class is the most essential part of my day. The reason I cherish this part of my day so much is because it is one of the only times I am undisturbed and alone with my thoughts. It is scientifically proven that the brain requires alone time to recharge and reflect. Without this, the brain cannot properly process information in order to function at the best of its ability. Humans are able to retain a plethora of information so it is absolutely crucial to give our brains the proper chance to organize and process this information.

It is extremely important to make the distinction between being lonely, and having alone time. Being lonely can cause depressive symptoms while alone time is actually beneficial to one’s health. We must learn to value our relationship with ourselves more greatly than our relationships with other people. Although that may sound narcissistic, don’t take it the wrong way. Not having enough alone time can stress us out and heighten the risks of straining our relationships with other people. It can be challenging to avoid becoming obsessed with the need to interact with others on a constant basis. Especially with the prevalence of social media in today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by everyone, even when we’re not. What I mean by that is we’re not ever really alone if we are incessantly on our phones texting, snapchatting, etc. That is exactly why it is extremely essential to unplug and unwind in order to remind ourselves that our happiness does not depend on other people. You will be utterly relieved when you unplug yourself from useless information like knowing what that dude in your math class had for lunch today via Instagram, or what Kim Kardashian wore 3 days ago via Twitter.

This is not an argument that you should become anti-social; in fact, the right amount of social interaction is essential to your sanity as well. Spending time alone will also allow you to appreciate the people who are close to you. Giving yourself time and space will actually make your time spent with your friends and family more enjoyable. It may not be easy to find the right balance, but allowing yourself a decent amount of alone time will gradually get you there. So start today. Solitude is crucial to your sanity. You may be pleasantly surprised about what you learn about your thoughts, your surroundings, and yourself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

234
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1449
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments