How choosing solitude can free your mind and lift your mood

The Washington Post quotes Julie Bowker in an article about the benefits of being alone and how being alone is not the same thing as being lonely. In fact, being alone is associated with positive feelings. “Loneliness really refers to perceived social inadequacy of relationships,” Bowker said. Choice also plays a crucial role. Solitude is something we choose. When we don’t choose it, it’s isolation, Bowker says.