A recent study has found that people, especially males preferred giving themselves electric shocks rather than being alone in a room with only their thoughts for company. The study, published in the journal Science, is indeed an eye-opener.

We as a generation don’t like to be alone. But, what is it about being alone and not doing something so challenging, I wonder. I know many people who enjoy their ‘me‘ time.

Aloneness comes with unique gifts. If you haven’t sampled them yet, read on as you may be needing a nudge in the right direction.

Being alone IS NOT a bad thing. It does not mean that you’re anti-social, or unwanted. Now that we’ve got this out of the way, let’s proceed to the positives of being alone:

1. You grow as a person

You’ll get to recharge and grow yourselves without spending extra energy to please the people around you. Constant interaction is taxing and breaks from people are the need of the hour to focus inwards.

2. You get in touch with who you are

Most people entangle you in their dramas. So much so, that you could end up losing touch with your own needs and emotions.

When you allow some ‘me time’ you’ll gain a greater perspective of your own emotions and develop an understanding of what makes you happy, what upsets you, and what saddens you. This way, you will be able to regulate your own emotions better.

3. You start doing things you enjoy

Your time belongs to no one, but you. This, you will discover is a big plus, especially if you are a woman. You can eat when you want, sleep the whole day and not be nagged for doing so.

4. You are more productive

Being in the company of other people is fun, but it takes up time that could have been spent doing work. This can affect your productivity at work. This is why time spent alone can be some of the most productive time in your life as you can get to work and keep working with no distractions.

5. You learn to prioritize

I am a huge proponent of ‘me’ time and I can’t stress the importance of choosing to spend your time and energy on a select number of commitments that really matter to you, rather than overwhelming yourself by trying to have it all. It’s good to focus on doing one or a few things well rather than trying to do everything and spending more time alone will allow you to do this.

This will make you the happiest and most fulfilled.

Aloneness is different from loneliness and social phobia. Never confuse the three. Enjoy being alone and it’s benefits but don’t wield loneliness as a weapon and as a defense mechanism.