The beauty of solitude is not merely the absence of company, but rather the presence of a serene and introspective companionship with oneself.

Recently, I took a trip interstate for a Chiropractic seminar. As a Chiropractor, business owner, wife, and mum to three daughters (not to mention our two pets), the moments when I am completely alone are very rare. 

My life constantly involves me being emotionally, energetically, and physically connected to patients, family, and friends; my busy world is filled with relentless noise and continuous awareness of the needs of others.

For the past few months, I had explored taking time for solitude by switching off the music, podcast, or radio chat when travelling in my car. This experience of driving in silence made me look forward to having three days of “alone time” during my upcoming work trip. In some ways though, a few days of being by myself did seem daunting—What on earth am I going to do with myself? It made me feel a little uncomfortable and wonder whether I would be miserable alone in my own space. What I did find, however, was that the time spent by myself, away from distractions, others, and external influences, was deeply rewarding and profoundly beneficial.

Here are some of the benefits I found in taking time for solitude:

Make friends with yourself

One of the greatest advantages of “alone time” is its capacity to nurture self-discovery. Without the “noise” of external influences, I had the time and space to dive deep into my thoughts, emotions, and dreams. Solitude allowed me time to reflect on myself, my experiences, my goals, and my fears without external pressures, expectations, or the need for validation from others. This opportunity for introspection allowed me to explore my true self, which gave me greater self-awareness and clarity of my values and priorities.

Enhance your creativity

Throughout history, great minds like Einstein and Nietzsche have attributed their most profound insights and creative breakthroughs to moments of solitude. Detaching myself from external stimuli, and immersing myself in the experience of solitude, enabled my mind to be free to wander and explore new ideas and connections. Solitude is conducive to creative expression; the “quiet” allows it to flourish through our exploration of thoughts, perspectives, and the desire to innovate in order to thrive.

Restore your mental and emotional balance

In today’s hyper-connected world, we are constantly bombarded with information and stimuli that lead us to mental and emotional fatigue. Solitude is the “off button” from this sensory overload—it allows much-needed respite for our mind and spirit. Conscious moments of solitude calm the “flight or fright” response of the sympathetic nervous system by uplifting the parasympathetics and bringing better balance to our bodies and minds.

By disconnecting from the external world, we allow ourselves to recharge our mental and emotional batteries, replenish our energy stores, and strengthen our resilience to cope with stress and adversity. Solitude nurtures inner peace by fostering a sense of calm amidst the chaos of our busy lives.

Strengthen independence and Self-reliance

Spending time alone encourages independence and self-reliance. When we choose “alone time,” we must depend solely on ourselves for companionship and fulfilment. In solitude, we learn to trust our instincts, make decisions autonomously, and rely on our own resources to meet our needs. This increased sense of self-sufficiency not only boosts our confidence but also cultivates a deeper sense of empowerment and resilience. Realizing we are capable of navigating life’s challenges independently fosters a greater sense of self-assurance and builds our inner strength.

Enhance your relationships

Paradoxically, solitude can also enrich our relationships with others. By exploring a strong sense of self through solitary pursuits, we become more authentic and grounded individuals, capable of forming deeper and more meaningful connections with others. Solitude allows us to recharge and rejuvenate which, in turn, enables us to show up fully present and engaged in our interactions with loved ones. Additionally, time spent alone can provide valuable insights into our relationships, allowing us to appreciate the importance of connection while also honouring our need for personal space and boundaries.

While the initial idea of solitude may feel frightening or uncomfortable, the benefits are undeniable. Embracing solitude, even just for a few days, opened me up to a wealth of opportunities for self-discovery, creativity, and personal growth. Solitude provided me refuge from the noise of the world, and allowed me to reconnect to myself and find enjoyment in my own company.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, I believe it is highly important to take time for moments of solitude. It is in these quiet moments that we truly find ourselves and profoundly beneficial for your mental, emotional and even physical well-being.

Dr Nicole Hudson is the Principal Chiropractor at Connect Chiropractic. Find out more about Dr Nicole at connectchiropractic.com.au