Loneliness vs. Solitude: How Alone Time Can Become Self-Care

In our current interconnected world, it’s almost ironic that the term “loneliness epidemic” continues to grow in popularity to describe a widespread phenomenon.

However, the concepts of loneliness and solitude continue to get tangled, leading to a misunderstanding of what it means to be alone—and whether or not it is a good or bad thing.

But are they the same? In which ways do they differ? Can you embrace solitude without succumbing to loneliness?

 

The difference between solitude and loneliness

Regarding definitions, it’s hard to separate the concepts of loneliness and solitude. However, you might be surprised to learn that they are both very different—and somewhat unrelated.

Solitude refers to the physical state of being alone without the company of another person or living being. For example, you are experiencing solitude whenever you’re driving to work alone or spending a few hours at home on your own.

On the other hand, loneliness is the emotional state of perceiving yourself as being isolated from others. Since it is something you feel, you could be lonely even amid a crowd.

In fact, according to a study published in 2023 by the University of Arizona, people do not feel lonely until they spend 75% or more of their time alone, which means that solitude and loneliness do not usually overlap.

 
Factors behind loneliness

Alone time could, in some cases, lead to loneliness. However, it is usually not the main culprit behind it.

Loneliness is usually caused by feeling disconnected from others, such as family, friend groups, communities, or even society. Social integration—or the lack thereof—is the main culprit, and whether or not someone feels connected to other humans depends on their personality, social needs, and mental state.

For example, extroverted individuals who crave interactions might have a lower tolerance threshold for loneliness, meaning they might feel lonely much faster than introverts. Likewise, low self-esteem may contribute to loneliness—even when surrounded by people who care about you.

 
The Damage of Loneliness

Social isolation and the subsequent loneliness it provides have countless negative impacts on mental health, which eventually also translates into physical damage.

Countless studies have shown that loneliness increases a person’s risk of developing depression, anxiety, self-harm thoughts, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, immune problems, and dementia—all of which could end up in early death.

By contrast, the chance of developing all the previous afflictions decreases when people are connected to their community and feel a strong social integration, as in such cases, time in solitude would not translate into feelings of loneliness.

 
The Benefits of Solitude

If loneliness can be the culprit behind many afflictions, spending time alone can be key to mental health and quintessential for general well-being—if done in moderation and appropriately.

If you’re socially overwhelmed or need a break from home, family, or other social interactions, alone time can help you recharge your energy. It allows you to be yourself at ease without worrying about how you come across. In this case, some healthy solitude benefits could be:

1. Reduce stress.
2. Increases productivity.
3. Soothes the mind and calms down extreme emotions.

Alone time can also be valuable for getting to know who you are. This version of self-care can help nurture your relationship with yourself, allowing you to venture deep inside your mind to understand your thoughts, wants, and needs.

In this regard, solitude can help you focus inward and unleash your creativity, as you can explore your thoughts and ideas without the pressure and fear of judgment that often comes with the presence of others.

 
Embrace Alone Time—Not Loneliness

The fear of loneliness should not make you fear solitude. There is a massive number of enriching experiences that you can develop in the quiet and peace of your own company.

Discovering who you are and healing from the stress of everyday life alongside a good book and a cup of coffee could be the key to a plentiful existence.