It’s understandable that many people think that spending time alone is boring, but when it comes to mental health, it’s important to create time to let your mind wander and focus inward, without worrying about interacting with other people.
Yvonne Uwamahoro, a counsellor at Mental Health Hub, Kicukiro, says that it is essential for growth and personal development, because instead of worrying about the needs, interests, and opinions of others, alone time lets you focus on yourself.
For instance, she explains that alone time is good for personal exploration, it strengthens empathy, increases productivity, makes you a better person, encourages creativity, and allows you to embrace whatever you are passionate about.
"Having some time to yourself can assist you to pay attention, regulate your emotions in a healthy way, for example by recognising them, and also accept your emotional responses rather than rejecting them or reacting to them with fear,” Uwamahoro says.
She adds that time alone allows one to access strategies that help reduce the intensity of the emotions they’re feeling, and control overreacting specifically when upset.
The counsellor points out that taking the time to be alone lets you regenerate away from the collective noises of a chaotic world, in a quiet and safe space—facing your thoughts head-on without brawling with them.
Celestin Mutuyimana, a clinical psychologist at Baho-Ubudaheranwa Clinic, Gikondo, explains that spending time on any activity or being able to create something with your mind is one way to feel good.
He says that having alone time offers one independence and time to think about what they have to do to be a better person, or even take in hard truths about themselves.
Researchers have found that people who live alone tend to be more social. Giving yourself more time to refresh, you can give more to other people without feeling tired or shattered.
Creating a healthy balance
Uwamahoro says that each person has different needs for solitude and social time, so try strike a balance between the two that works for your unique needs. Some might need just a few minutes now and then to reset a bad mood, while others might require more extensive stretches of alone time.
For her, too much solitude is bad, spending too much time alone increases the risk of suicide for young and old alike.
She notes that the social interactions of lonely people are not as positive as loneliness raises levels of stress hormones and blood pressure, destroys the quality and efficiency of sleep, so that sleep is less restorative, both physically and psychologically.
Uwamahoro suggests creating space to be alone when you feel overwhelmed, irritable, overstimulated, or have social anxiety, lack focus, or have lost interest in group outings.
What to do when alone
Uwamahoro says that you can go for a hike, for instance, spending time in nature can be great for your health. Going alone can give you a chance to connect with nature, challenge your body, and enjoy some peaceful solitude.
Research suggests that being alone in nature can help people focus on their priorities, gain a greater appreciation for relationships, and improve future goal-setting.
She also adds that vacationing and travelling alone may seem particularly intimidating, but it can also be an exciting and rewarding way to challenge yourself and learn new things. Travelling alone is also a great way to build self-sufficiency and confidence.
"Learn something new. Sign up for a class where you can learn a new skill, whether it’s something like cooking, art, dance, or some other hobby that has always interested you. Research has shown that social actions like volunteering can have a number of positive benefits,” Uwamahoro says.
Visit a museum; it is a great way to spend time looking at the displays. It also means that you can check out things at your own pace and react to exhibitions without wondering what other people think. You can also meditate, read a book or pray, among others, she adds.