The thought of spending time alone might make you cringe. Netflix binges and endless scrolling through social media don’t count, mate. I’m talking about truly enjoying your own company, where you put down the phone and embrace the silence. If it sounds scary, it shouldn’t. Here are 15 unexpected perks of getting comfortable in your own skin.
1. You discover hidden talents and passions you never knew you had.
Remember that dusty guitar in the corner, or that stack of unread novels on your night stand? When you spend time alone, you finally have the space to explore your interests without distractions. You might uncover a hidden talent for painting, a passion for baking, or a knack for writing angsty poetry (we won’t judge).
2. You become your own best friend and cheerleader.
Let’s face it, we can be our own worst critics. But when you spend time alone, you start to silence that inner critic and embrace your own quirks and imperfections. You learn to celebrate your wins, big or small, and to be kind to yourself when you stumble. You become your own biggest fan.
3. You gain clarity and perspective on your life and goals.
Ever feel like you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next, never stopping to catch your breath? Spending time alone gives you the mental space to reflect, prioritize, and set goals that truly align with your values. It’s like decluttering your mind, clearing out the junk thoughts, and making room for clarity and focus.
4. You develop stronger intuition and self-trust.
When you’re constantly surrounded by other people’s opinions and influences, it’s easy to lose touch with your own inner voice. Solitude allows you to reconnect with your intuition, to trust your gut feelings, and to make decisions that are aligned with your own values and desires.
5. You become more creative and innovative.
Source: Unsplash Some of the best ideas are born in solitude. When you’re not bombarded by external stimuli, your mind is free to wander, make connections, and come up with creative solutions to problems. So, put on some music, grab a sketchbook, or simply stare out the window and let your imagination run wild.
6. You learn to embrace silence and stillness, which can be surprisingly calming.
Source: Unsplash Silence doesn’t have to be awkward. In fact, it can be incredibly soothing and restorative. Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and simply be present with your own thoughts and feelings. You might be surprised at how peaceful and rejuvenating silence can be.
7. You become more comfortable in your own skin, quirks and all.
Source: Unsplash When you’re constantly trying to impress people or fit in, it’s easy to lose sight of who you really are, Psychology Today notes. Spending time alone allows you to shed the masks, let your freak flag fly, and embrace your unique personality. You learn to love yourself for who you are, not who you think you should be.
8. You develop a deeper understanding of your own emotions and needs.
Source: Unsplash When you’re constantly surrounded by people, it’s easy to ignore your own emotions or to prioritize everyone else’s needs over your own. Solitude gives you the space to check in with yourself, to identify your feelings, and to address any unmet needs. It’s like emotional spring cleaning, clearing out the cobwebs and making room for self-care and well-being.
9. You become more resilient and able to handle life’s challenges with grace.
Source: Unsplash Spending time alone can be challenging, especially if you’re used to constant social interaction. But by learning to embrace solitude, you’re building resilience and coping skills. You learn to rely on yourself, to face your fears, and to navigate difficult situations with grace and composure.
10. You improve your relationships with the people around you by first strengthening your relationship with yourself.
Source: Unsplash It might seem counterintuitive, but spending time alone can actually improve your relationships with your friends, family, and even your colleagues. When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you bring more authenticity and confidence to your interactions. You’re less likely to seek validation from other people or to put up with toxic behaviour.
11. You become more productive and efficient without all the distractions.
Source: Unsplash Think about it: no office chatter, no pointless meetings, no social media notifications popping up every five seconds. When you’re alone, you can focus on the task at hand and get things done without interruption. As Forbes points out, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you’re not constantly being pulled in different directions.
12. You appreciate the simple joys of life a whole lot more.
When you’re not constantly seeking external validation or stimulation, you start to notice and appreciate the little things. A beautiful sunset, a good cup of coffee, a quiet walk in nature – these simple pleasures become more meaningful and satisfying.
13. You stop relying so much on external validation and approval.
When you learn to enjoy your own company, you become less dependent on other people for your happiness and self-worth. You realize that you don’t need constant approval or validation to feel good about yourself. This newfound independence can be incredibly empowering.
14. You become more confident and independent and stop fearing being alone.
For many people, being alone is synonymous with loneliness and isolation. But when you learn to embrace solitude, you realize it doesn’t have to be that way. You become comfortable in your own skin, confident in your abilities, and no longer fear being alone with your thoughts and feelings.
15. You open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities you might have missed out on.
When you’re not constantly surrounded by the same people and routines, you’re more likely to try new things, meet new people, and explore different paths. You might discover a hidden passion, a new hobby, or even a new career. Solitude can be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
