Why do I like being alone? This is a question that many people who prefer solitude ask themselves at one point or another. Sometimes you might even think that it’s a flaw that you’d rather be at home with a Friday night, a meditation book, or your favorite movie than going out with friends. We’re here to tell you that’s not the case – far from it! In fact, your penchant for alone time may be doing you more good than you know.
Why Do I Like Being Alone?
People are very different from each other. Some people love public speaking, some sing their favorite positive songs at karaoke nights, and some can’t wait to go home alone.
This is not unusual, the amount of time Americans spend alone by demographics is only 48 hours per week according to a recent study. You may have also seen the viral chart circulating on social media that shows how the amount of time we spend alone increases dramatically with age. From age 20 to age 80, the average number of hours at our company doubles as solitude becomes more of a priority.
But that still doesn’t answer the question why i like being alone?
Like social interaction, loneliness has long been a part of human nature. As a species, we need both because they each bring us benefits that can improve health, well-being, and more.
To better understand why you prefer quiet time, let’s take a look at some of the benefits it brings.
Charge the battery
Especially the more introverted souls need time alone. Socializing can drain your energy, leaving you feeling both emotionally and physically drained. These past few years have made loneliness the norm and social skills have taken a back seat, leading to increased social fatigue.
After seeing friends or family, this feeling of exhaustion often leads to retreating into your own space. Curling up with a cup of hot tea and some peace and quiet is the perfect way to recharge your batteries, bringing your energy levels back to normal.
Extrovert or introvert, no one can spend all their time talking and socializing without being drained. So being alone is essential for everyone to avoid feelings of social exhaustion.
Calm Your Mind
Many people ask, “Why do I like being alone?” they have a little more chaos in their minds. It could mean you’re anxious or depressed or just have a lot of thoughts to process. Simply put, you have a lot going on in your head!
You cannot control your emotions and thoughts when you are around others. They recede in priority as other things like chatting and listening to friends come to the fore. But at some point, you will still need time to think and clear your mind.
Solitude gives you that space. When you’re out for a walk or lying on the couch, if you’re accompanied by nothing but peace and quiet, you can dwell on the thoughts that pop into your head and organize the noise there. If you often feel more mentally clear and resourceful after a period of solitude, there may be a reason for this.
We highly recommend looking into meditation for people who enjoy being alone as it helps calm the racing mind. Guided meditation can maximize the benefits of solitude, bring peace and clarity to your life, and create space for moments of true stillness. You can explore the Declutter The Mind meditation library for free and without logging in.
Get rid of stress
One of the main reasons alone time is beneficial is that it is a great stress reliever. It’s not uncommon to feel calmer and less stressed when you actively seek alone time, and stress levels decrease when you relax in peace.
This is mainly due to the elimination of mutual social pressures. When no one is around, you don’t have to worry about carrying on a conversation or how you present yourself. You just can, which is a huge relief for many! If social interaction is a cause of mild stress for you, this may be the answer to why do I like being alone?
Make time for health and well-being
It’s easy to skip meals or grab a quick burger when you’re out with friends. When you are at home, you have time to focus on your health and well-being.
Nutrition is incredibly important for your mind, your gut health is directly related to your mental health. Spending time at home gives you hours in the day to prepare a nutritious meal, allowing you to focus on what you’re eating. If you struggle with mental illness or just need some happiness, it can make the difference between a good day and a bad day.
The same goes for sports. A lot of free time to spend on yourself gives you the opportunity to go for a run or do yoga. Solo exercise is also a fantastic way to clear your mind, reduce stress and reduce anxiety.
Simply put, solitude makes room for self-care. In today’s fast-paced world, the chance to look after yourself cannot be overlooked. So why do I like being alone? Maybe just because you want to care you.
You don’t need to worry about other people
For some, the question of why I like to be alone is also why I prefer to complete tasks on my own. Some people enjoy working together or doing group projects at work. However, you would choose to do them yourself 10/10 times. Why?
The key factor here is that you don’t worry about the people around you. Conflicting thoughts, bad habits, and moods shouldn’t affect your day, allowing you to happily get on with the task at hand. You also don’t have to worry about making small talk or trying to keep up with someone else. You can complete the tasks at your own pace, the way you want.
Especially for introverts who find it difficult to communicate with others, this is an easier option. You’re less likely to experience stress and fatigue, it calms your mind and gives you the room you need to complete the task at hand.
You have your emotional needs met
When you’re alone, the only person you have to think about is you. This is important in terms of personal emotional needs.
If you’re feeling down, you’re the one to count on to lift you up. There is no one else to lean on for validation or love; you have to get them from within yourself. Loneliness greatly improves emotional strength and resilience, ensuring you don’t need anyone else to feel complete.
You are given time to identify your emotional needs and work on fulfilling them. As they say, if you don’t love yourself first, you can’t love someone else! Just spend more time and learn to love you.
So why do I like being alone?
The benefits of being alone should help give you a clearer picture of why you love being alone, but they’re not the end all.
Aside from the goodness that comes from time alone, there are people who just don’t need the stimulation as much as others. Sensitive introverts can be exposed to external stimuli, including noise and movement. Sometimes the outside world can just be too much and you need to retreat to your own space for some well-earned comfort.
There is also a biological reason why introverts enjoy solitude. This has to do with dopamine levels, which vary due to various factors and create the “effort:reward” ratio we all experience. Preparing a hot meal after a day’s work is tiring, so our bodies release dopamine during the activity to encourage us to do so and take care of ourselves.
It’s the same with socializing. Being around others gives you a shot of dopamine to combat social fatigue and makes the energy you spend worth it. For introverts, there is not as much dopamine released from socializing as there is for extroverts. This leads to higher levels of fatigue, irritability, and a desire to go home after spending less time with others.
Extroverts find people more interesting
If you are still not convinced that these reasons fully answer the question why do I like to be alone? you can relate more to the idea that other people don’t just do it for you. This is a sign that you are an introvert, not that you hate everyone.
Studies have shown that extroverts find people more interesting than introverts. They care more about those around them, while people who value alone time may care more about book collections or art projects. Of course, you love your friends and family equally, but you’re not that excited about other people’s perspectives.
Effects of not spending time alone
For people who do not seek solitude, spending too much time alone can lead to mental health problems and loneliness. But the same negative effects are true for people who need alone time and can’t get enough of it.
To understand more why I like to be alone? It’s important to consider how you feel if you’re not spending time alone. You may notice a sharp increase in stress levels and irritability, with overstimulation of your circuits.
It’s common for people who don’t feel like they’re getting enough “me time” to see their levels of depression and dissatisfaction rise. This may be due to social fatigue, not prioritizing health and well-being, or not having enough time to do the things that bring meaning to your life.
So, if someone tells you that too much time alone can lead to mental health problems, rest assured that the opposite is true! If being quiet makes you feel happier, embrace it.
How to make the most of your alone time
The benefits of solitude are clear, and if you value the time you spend away from friends and family, it’s probably because it’s doing you so much good. Your mental health is greatly improved, especially with peace and quiet. However, finding time to be alone can be difficult, especially when you lead a busy lifestyle. That’s why it’s so important to make the most of your space when you find it.
Start by staying off social media. Although there are many useful applications that can only improve your time, Instagram and Twitter are not among them! Accessing social media during your free time will only increase your stimulation and not give you time to disperse the idea you are looking for.
Instead, use your phone to boost your peace of mind. For example, download a meditation app like Declutter the Mind to increase calmness during times of loneliness.
Other great activities to do to maximize the benefits of being single include:
Last Words
We live in a world where social connections are often highly valued. If you’re an introvert who enjoys time away from the hustle and bustle of socializing, don’t be afraid to admit it! As you can see from this article, you are on to a good thing.
