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Strength in solitude

A loner. That's how people who spend a lot of time alone are often
described. And it's not meant as a compliment.

Yet there's evidence that time alone may contribute to one's sense of
well-being. For example, short breaks-such as a few minutes alone during a
busy day-can:

Decrease social stress. When you're with other people, you're probably
thinking about the impression you're making. A few minutes alone gives you a break from the stress of social interactions.

Increase concentration. People taking part in one study reported higher
levels of concentration when they were alone.

Restore energy and improve mood. Once alone, you can reflect on the day's
events and how to handle them. In one study, people reported being more
cheerful and alert after some solitude.

Longer breaks, such as several hours of solitude can:

Allow time for reflection. A few hours alone can give you time to ponder
personal relationships or decisions. Evidence shows that long periods of
solitude, such as several days or more, may be good for personal grown and insights.

There's also plenty of research supporting how important it is to have
strong connections with family members and friends. Experiment to find the
right balance between solitude and social time for you.