Happiness Linked to More Alone Time

A recent survey commissioned by the automaker, Skoda, revealed that 60% of the people surveyed were happier when driving because they could be alone. Many listened to music while others preferred to use the solitude to think about different things.

In today’s highly connected world, many people have lost the ability to commune with themselves in solitude. They have their ever-present cell phone, no longer a tool to communication one-on-one but a device that connects us to the internet, as well. Constant Facebook updates connect us to family and friends far away, often replacing the regular phone call. Our communication is instant but brief – short bursts many times a day, rather than a chatty hour-long call once a week as in days gone by.

Unless you deliberately schedule time for solitude, most people today go weeks on end without ever being truly alone. Studies by psychologists and sociologists indicate that solitude is necessary, yet society tends to associate alone time with loneliness so many have lost the art of being able to spend time alone.

Commenting on the survey results, a leading British psychologist said, “The findings from Skoda’s survey illustrate how important alone time is…Current research into the area of Positive Psychology also shows that people who spend time reflecting on what they are thankful for become more psychologically resilient. So if used positively, your daily car journey can be channeled to make you healthier and happier.”