I expect most people are now looking forward to seeing family and friends over the Christmas period, but come the new year some of those people will be then looking forward to some alone time. And this is not just the introverts! Just like introverts do need to connect with others, extroverts also need time on their own sometimes; and this personality variable is on a continuum anyway.

In October the Psychologist magazine looked at ways in which we can benefit from solitude and solitude is not the same as loneliness.

1. Being on our own can calm us down and reduce anxiety.
2. Time alone can give us space to be who we want to be.
3. When on your own you can be more creative…
4. It’s possible that more intelligent people benefit more from alone time.
5. What you do while alone doesn’t matter as long as you have chosen it.
6. Try not to be alone for more than three-quarters of your week, otherwise the benefit is reversed.
7. Places can also be of your own choosing – so maybe when the Christmas rush seems all too much over the next few weeks – try and go for a walk on your own – you don’t necessarily need a dog to do it!