Texan Mosaic

Author:  Kristy Gomez, COMM 2311-601 Newswriting; Photographer:  Etta Berry, COMM 1318 Photography 1

What do you think of when you hear the word “solitude?”  Does it evoke positive or negative feelings? If you answered “negative,” you may want to rethink your response.

South Plains College student Manuel Gutierrez says the word “solitude” evokes neutral feelings. Too much solitude, he explains, can be isolating and everyone needs companionship. But he also notes it has benefits.

“If you get enough of it,” he says, “you can be very productive.”

What he says is what psychologists have been saying for years. For instance, according to a 2019 article in Psychology Today titled “Solitude as Medicine, solitude can help people self-regulate their emotions and gain a sense of balance.  

Students, who often deal with packed schedules and constant social interaction, may benefit from time away from a lot of noise.

Gutierrez says he does. “Being alone is going to be easier for me,” he says, “because if there are people around, I’m going to start yapping. I’m not going to be able to focus on anything.”

And he’s not alone (so to speak). A 2023 article titled “The Science of Solitude”, published on the online publishing platform Medium.com, breaks down how being alone can enhance one’s ability to concentrate. When the brain isn’t trying to process others’ conversations or social cues, the article explains, it can usually settle more easily into a state of focus that’s helpful for work. This kind of focus can be very beneficial for studying, writing, or creative thinking.

So, is there a difference between solitude and loneliness? Many experts say yes.

For instance, in a 2024 article found on the Temple News website, authors advise students at Temple University alone time is good. Loneliness is not.

“Alone time is not the same as loneliness,” the author writes. “Being alone is when someone is physically by themselves, whereas loneliness is an emotional state from a lack of connection with others.”

The Temple author goes on to explain college students often decide to sacrifice alone time because they are afraid of missing out on important events or being left out of experiences with their friends. But ignoring alone time, the author warns, may not be the best choice.

“Whether it’s journaling, listening to music or cooking a new recipe,” the articles says, “adopting solitary time as a daily practice can enhance a student’s quality of life.”

Of course, while solitude may foster creativity, there just may be times when being around people is better. When asked if he prefers to work alone or in a group, Gutierrez shared a surprising answer.

“Working in a group setting is a lot better than working alone,” he says. “I figured that out this year.” He explains that having a consistent study group in his math class has helped him understand concepts he might’ve struggled with on his own.  

“It really does open your eyes to how important it is for you to have other outside perspectives,” he says.

And Gutierrez admits that while he values solitude, he struggles to find some alone time amid school and work. 

His final words of advice: it’s all about balance.

“You’ve got to make time for yourself as well,” he says. “It is really hard, but you know, it’s being human. Balance, balancing everything.”