How to make the most of your alone time

Key Points:

• Morgan Quinn Ross, an assistant professor at Oregon State University, highlights the restorative benefits of true solitude—being completely alone and disconnected from technology—as a way to reconnect with oneself and recharge after social interactions.
• Communication experts Jeffrey A. Hall and Andy J. Merolla emphasize the importance of balancing alone time with social interaction to maintain a healthy "social biome," where solitude replenishes energy for meaningful engagement with others.
• Research shows Americans are spending more time alone than before, but solitude is not synonymous with loneliness; beneficial solitude can range from total isolation to semi-social activities like reading in public or scrolling social media, which still offer restorative effects.
• Experts caution that constant connectivity during alone time—such as checking emails or texts—can undermine the benefits of solitude by preventing true mental rest and self-reflection, suggesting that disconnecting from technology is key to fully recharging.
• While solitude is essential, overreliance on solitary activities or digital substitutes for human interaction can lead to social withdrawal; maintaining regular, meaningful social contact is crucial for overall well-being and should be balanced with intentional alone time.