7 advantages of living alone and enjoying your independence

If you know someone who is lucky enough to afford housing without help, they will surely tell you about the advantages of living alone. Although it is difficult for some people to spend time alone, It is also possible to enjoy without living with others.

It’s not just about doing what you want when you want, without giving explanations. In fact, it is possible to find pleasure in managing daily life and not depending on someone for leisure. In this reading we will review those advantages that solitude provides on a daily basis.

Can you enjoy solitude?

Unwanted loneliness is a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease, substance abuse or depression, among other health issues, says an article in the Social Work Notebooks. However, if this state is voluntary, as When someone becomes independent alone, we speak of chosen solitude and not social isolation or deterioration of relationships.

Solitude, voluntary and well managed, is an opportunity to cultivate independence and authenticity. As indicated in a study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Being alone with oneself has certain beneficial effects; We list them below:

Chosen solitude leads to relaxation and stress reduction. Self-knowledge is increased and personal autonomy is encouraged. Positive emotional states do not dissipate when the person is alone. When a solitary activity is carried out voluntarily, it promotes self-regulation. High-intensity affective experiences, both positive and negative, are deactivated sooner.

Advantages of living alone and being independent

Spending time with yourself helps you connect with your own emotions and manage them better, without external interference. However, the advantages do not stop at those mentioned above. Let’s see others just as interesting.

1. Promotes self-management

Living alone involves more decision-making, since there is no one to do it for you. This need to keep daily life in order ends up providing strategies that increase efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of tasks. In turn, it leads to feelings of personal achievement and satisfaction. In other words, we are committed to autonomy, independence and empowerment.

2. Improved introspection

Solitude provides a quiet space to explore personal thoughts, desires and goals without outside influences. Although living alone does not eliminate the effect of personal relationships on self-concept, it does give more space for reflection and, ultimately, to spend more time with oneself.

3. Increased creativity

Those who enjoy solitude often need a calm and calm environment to bring their ideas to light. It is something already observed in school environments, where infants who are allowed to work alone when required tend to perform better. This is detailed in a thesis from the University of Toronto.

This is not necessarily related to introversion, but many introverted individuals are more creative when they have time to themselves.

On the other hand, not having help to solve day-to-day problems also encourages creativity. The person who lives alone, having to face setbacks, is forced to work harder to find a solution.

4. It is an escape route

Interpersonal relationships get complicated for everyone, at times. Therefore, one of the advantages of living alone is having a safe space to return to when this happens, in which Emotions can be managed without interference or external demands. In this way, intense emotional states are regulated more quickly.

Besides, Unaccompanied independence reduces exposure to conflict. While those that occur outside the home are inevitable, the total number of unpleasant encounters is reduced when someone lives alone, so their relational stress will be reduced.

5. Greater mental flexibility

As mentioned, in the face of unexpected challenges and changes, people who live alone tend to develop a greater capacity to face and overcome obstacles. Constantly facing uncertainty fosters mental flexibility and resilience.

6. Personal space

Another advantage of living alone is the possibility of dedicating all free time to personal interests. Although some forms of leisure are aimed at socialization, it will always be at the discretion of the person and they will not need to be accountable to anyone at home.

7. Meaningful relationships

Someone who values ​​their time alone tends to be more selective with their personal relationships. These are usually few and deep, so they try to be healthy and bring positivity to life.

This tendency, related to introversion, does not have to be an immovable profile. There are also individuals whose socialization is a hobby and they establish more superficial relationships.

Enjoy independence at any age

Choosing solitude is what makes the difference between reaping the benefits of living alone and suffering serious health consequences. Chosen solitude helps you avoid unpleasant situations or dedicate time to your personal leisure.

Therefore, if you are considering becoming independent without anyone else (and your finances allow it), do not hesitate to use that opportunity to get to know yourself in a deep way. You will find that there is more inside you than you thought.

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