{"id":12774,"date":"2019-11-25T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-25T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/solitude-can-promote-creativity-confidence-and-relationships\/"},"modified":"2022-11-04T06:00:14","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T10:00:14","slug":"solitude-can-promote-creativity-confidence-and-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellable.co\/blog\/solitude-can-promote-creativity-confidence-and-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Solitude, Not Loneliness, Can Promote Creativity, Confidence, and Improve Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite increasing reports of the \u201cloneliness epidemic\u201d over the last few years, some experts advise<\/a> that intentionally practicing solitude can offer a host of benefits.<\/p>\n

Thuy-vy Nguyen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Durham University, says that solitude can help regulate emotions, which has a calming effect that can help foster social connection. \u201cWe have some evidence to show that valuing solitude doesn\u2019t really hurt your social life, in fact, it might add to it,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Emily Roberts, a therapist, suggests that time alone can build confidence and offer a way to explore new interests and ideas without inhibition. One study<\/a> reveals that teens are less self-conscious when alone.<\/p>\n

Neuroscience backs the idea that solitude can be beneficial as well. In one study<\/a>, participants who alternated between brainstorming with a group and brainstorming alone had a greater output than those who only brainstormed in the group. Another study<\/a> found that two hours of silence per day stimulated the growth of new cells in the hippocampi of mice.<\/p>\n

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Solitude vs. Loneliness<\/h2>\n

Many reports, studies, and surveys over the past few years have discussed a growing trend of loneliness in the United States, even as our world becomes more connected. The concerns are real<\/a> and should be taken seriously by employers<\/a>, especially as the holiday season approaches. This time of year might be ideal for offering in-the-office days<\/a> for remote workers or informal gatherings where employees can connect with others.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s also important for employers to recognize the need for and encourage healthy solitude. Whereas \u201cloneliness\u201d implies an unwilling separation from others\u2014something imposed by society as a physical punishment, an ostracization, or just a sense of not belonging to a community \u2014 \u201csolitude\u201d implies an intentional separation.<\/p>\n

Historically, many religious and artistic movements have encouraged<\/a> some degree of solitude for purposes of self-reflection, creativity, enlightenment, or deepening a connection with the divine. Italian journalist Tiziano Terzani sought solitude in a cabin in Japan, writing that \u201c[a]t last I had time to have time.\u201d Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Buddha, Thomas Merton, Virginia Woolf, and many other writers, thinkers, artists, and philosophers have cultivated solitude.<\/p>\n

Our modern, highly connected culture tends to discourage solitude<\/a> or even to suggest that any degree of solitude is harmful. People work in open offices, stay connected by mobile devices at all hours of the day, and go home to urban environments full of noise. Matthew Bowker of Medaille College suggests that solitude is \u201cmore devalued than it has been in a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Benefits of Solitude<\/h2>\n

Seeking solitude in a loud world is something that doesn\u2019t come naturally to many people; even retreating to a coffee shop or a park by oneself brings with it the potential of interaction with others. However, for those who are willing to really find genuine quiet spaces where it\u2019s possible to turn off the outside world, there are a host of benefits:<\/p>\n