"But after getting laid off during the media industry cuts a few years back, I suddenly had more alone time than I knew what to do with. Those four months of freelancing forced me to confront something I'd been avoiding: my discomfort with my own thoughts. What started as an uncomfortable necessity turned into one of the most transformative periods of my life."
"When was the last time you sat with an uncomfortable feeling instead of immediately distracting yourself? People who can spend extended time alone have mastered something crucial: they don't need external stimulation to manage their emotions. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that emotional regulation is a cornerstone of psychological well-being. I discovered this firsthand during those solitary freelancing months. Without the constant buzz of office life, I had to face feelings I'd been pushing down for years."
People vary in comfort with solitude; some sit alone contentedly while others quickly seek distraction. Extended time alone can force confrontation with uncomfortable thoughts and suppressed emotions. Confronting anxiety, disappointment, and fears without external stimulation can be overwhelming initially but can lead to gradual adaptation and growth. Emotional regulation — the ability to tolerate and manage feelings without immediate distraction — underpins psychological well-being. Research from the American Psychological Association identifies emotional regulation as a cornerstone of well-being. Enjoying solo time often indicates emotional maturity and is associated with traits that support introspection, resilience, and personal development.
Read at Silicon Canals
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]