Solitude

The Science and Power of Being Alone

Netta Weinstein, Heather Hansen, Thuy-vy T. Nguyen

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2024
• Topic: Psychology
• eBook ISBN:
  9781009256582
• Subtopic: Social Psychology
• Index: Psychology

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? 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. 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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title
• Title page
• Imprints page
• Contents
• Note to the Reader
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Solitude Is Not Just for Hermits, Poets, and Billionaires
• Chapter 2 Everyday Solitude for Everyday People
• Chapter 3 What Makes Solitude Great?
• Chapter 4 Mapping the Benefits of Solitude
• Chapter 5 What's Choice Got to Do with It?
• Chapter 6 Balancing Solitude with Social Time
• Chapter 7 Super/Natural Solitude
• Chapter 8 Finding Your Happy Place in Solitude
• Chapter 9 Can We Get Better at Being Alone?
• Chapter 10 Solitude across a Lifetime
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Index