To be alone does not mean to be lonely. Usually, loneliness and solitude are two words that people often interchange. Their meaning and emotional impact are completely different and diametrically opposed.

Loneliness implies suffering

Loneliness is a passive condition and implies suffering. Many people associate loneliness with remote places. Nevertheless, this is incorrect. The sense of feeling lonely and alone is even more common in overcrowded cities than in tiny towns. As cities grow and get crowded, we are dealing with more loneliness. Loneliness leads to anxiety and depression. To be deliberately alone does not mean to be lonely. If we can find solitude in being alone, we can benefit enormously. In solitude, we can discover our feelings, fears, desires, and aspirations. Spending time alone allows us to recharge our energies

Solitude is a decision

Solitude, on the other hand, implies the act of being with oneself, it is a sign of emotional health. Solitude is an active decision; it is a choice we make. We should all try to cultivate solicitude; we would gain if we are available for ourselves. Neuroscientists have proven that it improves creativity and allows us to make better decisions.

Humans are social animals. We need and enjoy being around others and we develop in a group. We have learned that we face and survive difficulties better in communities,.

Being social on social media

The occidental culture values extroversion. It encourages us to develop that side of ourselves. This often pushes us to extremes that make us feel inappropriate if we do not have a million friends. This culture rejects the ability to be alone and does not embrace solitude as much as the Asian culture does.

We can feel alone in a crowd. We can feel lonely in a relationship We all feel lonely at times. Our digital lifestyles promote isolation. We are replacing in-person connections with online ones. Sometimes, as we scroll on social platforms, we get a sense of belonging. At other times, the same platform makes us feel more inadequate. Why? Maybe it’s because our life is not as fun or nice as others on social media. We forget that social media is just personal marketing. It is not always completely true.

The power of being alone

I am constantly balancing being a solitary introvert and a sociable person. I love being alone and sometimes I love being surrounded by significant people. The line between the two, for me, is fine. It depends on my sense of humor and on my circumstances. Sometimes being by myself seems enriching and sometimes makes me feel isolated. According to these definitions I have just made, when I enjoy being alone, the state would be called solitude. When I dislike it and do not choose it, that is loneliness.

The big challenge we have is to mix solitude with social interaction. Time for ourselves, and time with others. Getting this balance is essential for our well-being.Try it and you will enjoy the benefits.