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Caree Brown L.C.S.W. Psychotherapy

Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy

www.careebrown.com

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Why it’s Sometimes Healthy to be Alone

In today’s modern world, we are rarely, if ever, alone. Even if we are not in a relationship, we are constantly surrounded by people, connected through technology, and accompanied by music, TV shows, movies, and podcasts. However, there is a multitude of reasons why sometimes it is healthy to be alone, and why we should take advantage of it more. For more information on the benefits of being alone and for therapy, contact Caree Brown at your earliest convenience.

Give Your Brain a Chance to Rest

Like your body, your mind benefits from the opportunity to “rest” and unwind. Constantly being in a “go-mode” doesn’t give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself. Therefore, for your mind to operate at maximum efficiency, it is important to make rest a priority with some much-needed time alone.

Just like an athlete needs to give their body a rest every now and then to be at maximum efficiency, your brain needs a break from its mental gymnastics. This rest will bring a sense of relaxation and will create an environment where you are refreshed to continue with life. For additional information on making time alone a priority, contact Caree Brown for therapy.

An Opportunity to Find Your Own Voice

While being connected and having friends and family for support is important, being alone gives you the healthy opportunity to find your own voice. Instead of having others guide conversations, make decisions, and mold your thinking, having some time of solitude can allow you to discover what you desire in your life. This time alone gives you the opportunity to search and reflect on your thoughts, beliefs, and values without the noise and clutter from the outside world. Without taking time to find your own voice, how can you ever speak out with honesty and sincerity?

It Can Help You Build Relationships

Another reason it is sometimes healthy to be alone is that it can help you build relationships. Being surrounded by people that you know and are comfortable with doesn’t prompt you to step outside your comfort zone. How can we ever hope to foster new relationships if we are only focused on the ones we are currently in? By taking time to be alone, you are freeing yourself from the distractions that may cause you to pass by something or someone of importance in your life. Therefore, if you are feeling a bit lonely or are looking to build new relationships, it can be beneficial to go on an outing alone.

Increased Creativity

One of the most famous artists of all time, Pablo Picasso, said, “Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” Whether you have been feeling generally uninspired or having difficulty overcoming something as specific as writer’s block, being alone can help you by improving your creativity! According to Gregory Feist, whose major area of research is on the psychology of creativity at San Jose State University, a common feature in artists is their independence. In fact, recent studies go even further and say that some level of being non-social can be beneficial! Creativity stems from our experience and our perception, and by freeing our minds from peripheral ideas and focus, creativity can be honed. To speak directly with Caree Brown regarding healthy alone time during therapy, contact her today.