Embrace the Power of Solitude: A Journey to Health and Well-being.
As I walked alone on a quiet, winding trail, the path was hard to follow and slick with snow. The sun felt warm on my face, and despite missing my partner, I was grateful to be visiting my sister who I don’t see often. Spending a couple of hours by myself that day, I felt a mix of emotions such as curiosity, anxiety, and joy. It was a welcomed period of solitude that left me feeling calmer and more clear-headed than when I had set out.
Solitude is inevitable for adults in the UK and US who spend around one-third of their waking lives alone. This figure increases as we age and is even more prevalent in many places where we are living alone in greater proportions than ever before. Recent surveys have shown that 17 out of 75 countries have more than 25% solo households.
Historically, research has steered us away from time alone as social creatures; however, there is now a growing trend of people voluntarily spending time away from the crowd and craving solitude. The benefits of solitude are now better understood and can feel good for our health and well-being. Evidence suggests that alone time may actually be vital for our overall well-being. So embrace your solitude and make it count towards your overall happiness!
