Staying home is not always a sign of isolation

Wanting to stay home is not necessarily a negative signal leading to isolation, according to scientific research. While some people may view a preference for staying home as a form of rejection or isolation, this behavior is more common than one might think and can reflect a deeper need. Wanting to go out less can also be a positive sign.

Solitude has both positive and negative effects

A study published in 2023 in the journal Nature found that the time spent alone on a daily basis has both beneficial and negative effects on well-being. The study indicated that solitude is experienced well when it is chosen. The report noted that no element has allowed to highlight an "optimal balance" universally between solitude and social interactions.

Chosen solitude reduces stress and increases satisfaction

The linear effects suggest that participants feel more alone and less satisfied on days when they spend more hours alone. These negative effects are canceled or attenuated when daily solitude is autonomous (chosen) and does not accumulate from one day to the next; people who generally spend more time alone are not, overall, more alone.

Solitude benefits mental well-being when chosen

On days when participants spend more time alone, they feel less stress and greater satisfaction related to their autonomy. Spending time in solitude is good for mental well-being, but provided that this desire to isolate is really chosen.

Personality affects how solitude is experienced

Other research has also shown that solitude could significantly reduce daily stress. However, these studies have their limits, and it is important to note that the ability to be alone and the tendency to enhance well-being by choosing solitude depend on each individual. Indeed, while some personalities enjoy solitude, for others, this exercise can be much more difficult.

Personality influences the impact of solitude

A study conducted in 2021, notably on the effects of confinement, shows that personality plays a major role in how one receives solitude. In these studies, we find that people who appreciated solitude more and were emotionally stable felt less loneliness. Conversely, people who appreciated being alone much less saw their stress and anxiety levels increase.

Staying home can be a healthy choice

Going out less does not necessarily mean isolating oneself. People who prefer to stay home rather than go out are not necessarily isolating themselves and falling into a dark and depressive daily routine. On the contrary, they take time for themselves because they need it. For others, however, this exercise can be difficult to live. These researches therefore prove that solitude is only beneficial when it is chosen and not endured.