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The Joy of Solitude

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The Joy of Solitude

How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World

Simon & Schuster,

15 min. de leitura
8 Ideias Fundamentais
Texto disponível

Sobre o que é?

Cultivate a healthier relationship with solitude to unlock greater peace, well-being, and creativity.

Editorial Rating

8

getAbstract Rating

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Why does solitude spark creativity and energy in some people, yet leave others feeling lonely or disconnected? Drawing on cutting-edge research, psychology professor Robert J. Coplan explores the science of solitude and reveals how redefining your relationship with alone time can enhance your well-being. He shares practical strategies to discover the approach to solitude that works best for you, transform your alone time into a source of creativity, and set healthy boundaries with technology to protect its quality.

Summary

Many people find solitude uncomfortable and isolating; others find it peaceful and restorative.

Results from the American Time Use Survey show that solitude increases as you age: People in their twenties and thirties spend roughly four to four and a half hours alone each day, and that figure rises to an average of more than seven hours a day by around age 70. Many people struggle to enjoy their own company, as time spent alone can trigger feelings of boredom, anxiety, or even anger.

In one study, college students were asked to sit quietly by themselves for just 15 minutes. Most participants disliked the experience, describing it as “very boring.” Some even chose to give themselves mild electric shocks rather than simply sitting with their thoughts.

However, not everyone reacts negatively to solitude. While some associate it with separation, sadness, or boredom, others describe it as blissful and peaceful. Solitude doesn’t always require physical isolation — it can also be psychological. Thus, you could also feel it while, say, reading in a crowded café. Much like the passage of time, the experience of solitude varies widely from person to person.

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About the Author

Robert J. Coplan is a Carleton University psychology professor who has been studying solitude for more than thirty years. His research has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Psychology Today.

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