Adrian Volenik
Being alone, especially after it’s been a while, can be daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be.
Today, I will show you what happens when you embrace being alone. There’s room for serious growth when you do that.
From newly-discovered freedom to developing resilience, solitude can invigorate you in many ways.
1) Self-discovery
Spending time alone allows you to reflect on who you are and what you want from life. You learn more about your likes, dislikes, aspirations, and fears, which can lead to increased self-awareness and self-understanding.
Here’s, for instance, what you should ask yourself:
- What do you want to achieve in life?
- What are your career aspirations, personal goals, or educational objectives?
- How do you envision your future?
Being alone can provide the quiet and focus necessary to answer these questions honestly and thoughtfully, allowing you to create a clearer roadmap for your life.
To unlock your thoughts, I recommend journaling. It’s a powerful tool for introspection and self-discovery, especially when done during solitude.
Regular journaling can help you spot patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over time.
It’s also great for setting personal goals and making plans. By writing down your aspirations, you can clarify what you want to achieve and map out a path to get there. It can also help you track your progress toward these goals.
2) Understanding independence
Being alone helps you realize that you’re enough in yourself and that you don’t need to depend on others for your happiness.
You can embark on a solo travel journey, for instance. During the trip, you’ll navigate unfamiliar cities, try new foods, and handle surprising challenges all by yourself.
This experience will allow you to realize that you’re capable and competent. You’ll find joy in your own company, and the trip’s success doesn’t depend on anyone else.
Or what if you start living alone for the first time? You learn to handle all the responsibilities, from paying bills to cooking meals to managing household repairs.
Though it might be challenging initially, you eventually get the hang of it and find satisfaction in your ability to run a household by yourself.
By learning to handle things independently, you develop a strong sense of self-efficacy, the belief in your ability to accomplish tasks and handle different situations.
This belief is a fundamental aspect of personal independence.
I learned that being independent has many advantages but also many responsibilities.
3) Development of emotional resilience
Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt, bounce back, and cope with adversity and stress. Embracing being alone can contribute to the development of emotional resilience in many ways.
Together, the development of self-efficacy and emotional resilience through embracing solitude empowers you to face challenges, manage emotions, and thrive in various aspects of life.
It’s an ideal opportunity to face challenges independently and develop confidence in your problem-solving skills.
To develop these skills, you should step out of your comfort zone and take on tasks or activities that stretch your abilities.
For some, the act of being alone all of a sudden is stepping out of their comfort zone. It makes you feel alive.
4) Freedom to pursue personal interests
Embracing being alone also gives you the freedom to pursue your own interests and passions without compromising or considering others’ preferences.
In other words, there’s probably no one to tell you that you can’t buy that telescope or R/C car or that you can’t go skydiving or salsa dancing.
You can delve into hobbies, explore new activities, or dedicate time to personal growth without external validation or approval.
Once you realize this, it’s a great feeling.
As you make progress in pursuing your interests, you experience a sense of accomplishment and pride in your achievements.
This self-generated sense of triumph boosts self-esteem, self-efficacy, and motivation is often enough for you to continue exploring and growing.
5) Heightened creativity
The human mind is like an incredible computer. Once it accepts there are no external stimulants, it will take you on a road of “productive boredom.”
When your mind is free from external distractions and forced to generate its own stimulation, it will start sparking unconventional and innovative ideas, pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
For example, taking a solitary walk in nature without any distractions can provide an opportunity for “productive boredom.”
As you immerse yourself in the natural environment, you may find your mind wandering and making new connections.
But you don’t have to roam outside. You can simply unplug from constant notifications and social media and create a space for your mind to wander, stimulating creative thoughts and allowing new ideas to surface.
6) Deepened connection with nature
Talking about unplugging and nature, spending time alone lets you connect with your surroundings much more. Without no one to talk to, you focus all your attention on what’s happening around you.
But not only that, numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels.
You don’t have to go to a secluded forest or beach. Just go for a long walk in a nearby park, where the quiet, the fresh air, and the greenery helps to melt away stress and anxiety.
The tranquil environment and the beauty of nature cause a state of calm and relaxation.
Physical activities like hiking, gardening, or swimming in a lake also improve physical health by increasing fitness, reducing blood pressure, improving immune system function, and more.
But my personal favorite is immersing myself in the majesty of nature. It makes me feel tiny and gives me a sense of connection to the larger world.
Observing a sunset, for instance, creates a sense of awe and reminds me of my place in the wider universe, providing a valuable perspective on my troubles and making them seem smaller and more manageable.
7) Improved decision-making
Kind of continuing in the same tone. When there aren’t other people distracting you (family, partner, roommates), it’s often easier to consider all aspects of a situation without interruption.
You aren’t influenced one way or another and can easily focus on what you truly think and feel about a situation without being swayed by external factors.
Although I like to sometimes brainstorm ideas with others, I prefer making decisions on my own.
That way, I can’t blame anyone for mistakes and have to own up and learn from them.
8) Development of a unique personal style
Some scientists believe that couples start looking alike eventually. Many couples look like they’re brother and sister and not a husband and wife.
Whether you agree with this or not, it’s true that one partner can influence the other partner’s style. Bit by bit, your closet starts changing, and you have more clothes that were bought for you than what you bought yourself.
But being alone is an opportunity to develop a unique personal style that authentically reflects your individuality and self-expression.
Final thoughts
Well, there you have it. Being alone doesn’t have to be the end of the world. There is a lot of room for growth once you really lean into being alone.
