Having a network of strong, supportive relationships is a common trait among people who live the longest and healthiest lives. Yet constant connection can lead us to feel distracted and overwhelmed. That’s why spending time by ourselves is important: it lets us reset and recharge, enhances creativity and productivity, helps us gain perspective on relationships, and can improve our moods.
“Spending time alone is a chance for personal growth, providing space for self-reflection and self-exploration,” says Nicole Bereolos, Ph.D., M.P.H., a clinical psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist in Dallas. Note, though, that aloneness doesn’t mean loneliness. “While loneliness is a lack of meaningful connections to other people, aloneness is a personal choice to enjoy solitude,” says John Zrebiec, M.S.W., CDCES, a faculty member in the department of…
