Solitude the science and power of alone time
Netta Weinstein, Heather Hansen, Thuy-vy T. Nguyen
- Cambridge, United Kingdom New York, NY Cambridge University Press 2024
- viii, 284 pages 24 cm
Subtitle on dust jacket: The science and power of being alone.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-277) and index.
Solitude is not just for hermits, poets, and billionaires -- Everyday solitude for everyday people -- What makes solitude great? -- Mapping the benefits of solitude -- What's choice got to do with it? -- Balancing solitude with social time -- Super/Natural solitude -- Finding your happy place in solitude -- Can we get better at being alone? -- Solitude across a lifetime.
"Most of us spend a sizable chunk of each day alone. Whether we love it or try to avoid it, we can make better use of that time. The science of solitude shows that alone time can be a powerful space used to tap into countless benefits"-- "The average adult spends nearly one-third of their waking life alone. How do we overcome the stigma of solitude and find strength in going it alone? Translating key research findings into actionable facts and advice, this book shows that alone time can boost well-being. From relaxation and recharging to problem solving and emotion regulation, solitude can benefit personal growth, contentment, creativity, and our relationships with ourselves and others. Learning what makes us better at spending time alone can help us move toward our best possible selves. Solitude showcases different perspectives, traditions, stories, and research methods on solitude from people around the world, explains how we can balance our social and solo needs, clearly defines 'solitude' and demonstrates how it plays a role in the move toward our best possible selves, highlights some of the research conducted by the Solitude Lab and others before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores a wide range of topics connected to solitude, including but not limited to: creativity, anxiety, authenticity, ageing, and emotional regulation." --