We all are familiar with the term ‘solitude’ but often confuse it with ‘loneliness’. Both are strikingly different.
Solitude is totally a positive term.
It is a positive and constructive stage of engagement with oneself. Whereas loneliness is a sense of isolation and has negative connotations.
Loneliness is never desirable, while solitude, very much, is.
Solitude: A necessity
Can you recall a day when you spent time with yourself? You and only you!
I am sure you will find it hard to remember, because it's been ages. In today's day and age, we are always so busy in having fun and merrymaking, that we have actually forgotten to look within us.
I have heard people complaining about their hectic work week and how they are unable to do anything they want or like to do. Yet as the weekend comes, they just go out and have fun.
Once or twice in a month is understandable. Necessary as well, to just relax and have a nice meal at a restaurant, or hang out with friends etc. Maybe watch a movie.
However, if you do these, every chance you get, or every day off from work, then it needs to be analyzed.
Are you trying to distract yourself from something that is bothering you? Are you trying to avoid thinking something you need to think? Are you trying to get away from something?
Most importantly, are you uncomfortable with your own thoughts?
You will get your answers to these questions, when you SIT WITH YOURSELVES.
Why Solitude is beneficial:
Solitude is the only way to truly know yourself. Just sit and relax. Talk to yourself. You will be amazed how insightful it is.
You will know things about yourself which you never knew before.
Some benefits of solitude are:
It raises productivity levels - You are able to focus better and so create better.
It enhances empathy- Both for self and others.
It helps build mental strength - People who enjoy time alone with oneself, experience less depression and have better mental health.
You are able to recharge - Because you are devoid of any distractions.
It sparks creativity - No wonder, creative people, like artists and authors, prefer to go to some isolated place, in order to be able to create.
Solitude and Mental Health:
According to psychology experts, solitude is very much beneficial for mental health.
You will notice, we get so caught up with our daily responsibilities, that we lose touch with our innermost feelings and emotions. We almost forget what our own likes and dislikes are. We forget the things we used to enjoy.
Long story short - we lose touch with ourselves.
When we are constantly into something, our minds overwork. It gets exhausting. We get stressed and start snapping.
Various research and studies have shown that solitude helps in reducing mental health problems, like depression and anxiety.
Enjoy your solitude:
Let me give you a reminder. The next day off you get, SPEND TIME WITH YOURSELF.
It is not always necessary to go out to relax and have fun. You can have it at home too.
Just think, during the workweek, you are in a hurry, and have no time for proper breakfast. You barely manage to drink a cup of tea or coffee and head to work.
When you have a day off, why not take time and make a meal for yourself. Have a proper and feeling breakfast followed by tea or coffee. Trust me, you will feel so relaxed. You will feel content.
Take a walk in the neighborhood and observe. You will be surprised to find things which are totally new to you. Even after staying a considerable time in the same place, we hardly explore it. So, go and explore.
Sit by the window, or at the balcony, look at the world go by. Some things you see, will bring back memories. Some good, some bad. Reminisce them.
You do not always have to go out! You probably do not realize, your travels throughout the week, stresses you.
Sit still. Close your eyes. Think and ponder upon things which have been troubling you. This is surely going to make you uncomfortable, but the objective is to go through these uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, to get over those.
The more you distract yourself, the more troublesome it becomes. You feel you are doing better; however, it remains buried inside somewhere and bites back later. Ignoring issues won’t tame them; they’ll just lash out later.
Solitary Vacation:
You are surely familiar with “solo travels”, where you go on a vacation solo. Sometimes, experts recommend solo travel. This has immense benefits.
It is refreshing.
It helps you to know more about yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses.
It boosts your confidence.
It boosts your self-esteem.
It is an opportunity to make new connections.
It is, no doubt, cost effective.
It gives you a sense of freedom, where you are in charge of making all the decisions.
It enhances your emotional well-being.
So, if you can afford it, and it is feasible for you, plan your “solo travel”, ASAP!
And you can thank me later.
Final Thoughts:
The next day off you get, make sure, you put your feet up and JUST RELAX. WITH YOU!
Remember, solitude is powerful.
Take Care Everyone!
Do not forget to have some solitude!
Sucheta
Disclaimer: I am not an expert or a professional in the field of mental health. This writing is based solely on my experience and observation, and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you need help with mental health issues, please contact a qualified professional.
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