As the year winds down, the holiday season often brings a whirlwind of family gatherings, gift shopping and social obligations.

While these moments can be joyous, they can also leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and drained.

Interestingly, a new study highlights a growing desire among Americans for something that’s often overlooked during the holidays: alone time.

According to research conducted by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, nearly 46% of respondents report having less alone time during the holiday season, despite its importance to mental health.

In fact, 56% of respondents said having adequate time alone is essential for their overall well-being.

This raises an important question: Why is alone time so vital, and how can we make space for it in our busy lives, especially during the holidays?

The benefits of alone time for mental health

This simple shift can reduce stress and improve mindfulness, helping you better manage the chaos that often comes with the holidays, demanding work. Picture: Enzo Varsi /Pexels

Dr Sophie Lazarus, a clinical psychologist at Ohio State University, explains that carving out moments of solitude can have profound effects on both mental and physical health, according to the news report by WGNO.

In today’s hectic world, where demands seem endless, taking even a brief pause allows you to decompress, gather your thoughts, and recharge.

“Alone time doesn’t have to look like solitary confinement,” Lazarus says. “Some people might experience alone time by going to a movie by themselves, sitting in a park, or even enjoying a coffee shop surrounded by strangers. It’s less about isolation and more about the absence of social performance or interaction.”

This simple shift can reduce stress and improve mindfulness, helping you better manage the chaos that often comes with the holidays, demanding work schedules or just life in general.

The “decompression” effect

If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in your car for a few extra minutes after a long day, you’re not alone. A Reddit thread discussing this habit revealed how common it is to use those few quiet moments to mentally switch gears.

One user described it as “decompression”—a term that perfectly captures the need to transition from “work mode” to “home mode.” Picture: Enzo Varsi /Pexels

One user described it as “decompression” — a term that perfectly captures the need to transition from “work mode” to “home mode”. This transition time is crucial, especially after a day filled with stressful meetings, a chaotic commute, and endless to-do lists.

For example, imagine this all-too-relatable scenario:

6am: Rushing to get the kids ready for school.
7.30am: Stuck in traffic behind a semi-truck.
8.30am: Sitting in a three-hour meeting that could’ve been an email.
12.30pm: Dealing with IT because the network is down.
3.30pm: Your boss wants to “see more effort”.
5.30pm: You’re standing in line at Chipotle behind a couple who seem to be ordering for the first time ever.

By the time you finally get home, you’re emotionally and physically spent. For many, sitting in the car for a few minutes to breathe, listen to music, or simply sit in silence becomes an essential ritual.

It’s a small but meaningful way to reset before stepping into the next phase of the day.

Alone time doesn’t have to be lonely

One of the biggest misconceptions about alone time is that it requires complete isolation. However, Lazarus points out that alone time is less about being physically alone and more about creating mental space.

For example:

Heading to a park where you can enjoy the company of others without the obligation to interact.
Going to a coffee shop to read or work quietly, surrounded by the gentle hum of activity.
Watching a movie solo, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the experience without distractions.

These activities can provide the mental clarity and emotional reset you need without feeling disconnected from the world.

How to make alone time a priority

Finding alone time can feel impossible during the holidays, but with intentionality, it’s entirely doable. Here are some practical tips:

Set boundaries

Communicate with your family and friends about your need for alone time. Let them know that taking a break helps you show up as your best self in social settings.

Schedule it in

Treat alone time like any other important appointment. Block off small pockets of time in your calendar, whether it’s a 10-minute walk, a quiet coffee break, or a moment to journal.

Put away your phone

Lazarus recommends leaving your phone in another room during alone time. The temptation to check notifications can disrupt the mental quiet you’re seeking.

Use “in-between” moments

Even the busiest days have opportunities for solitude. For instance, spend a few minutes in your car after work, or take a quiet moment in the morning before the house wakes up.

Why alone time matters

The holidays are often associated with togetherness, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your need for self-care. In fact, taking intentional breaks may actually enhance your ability to enjoy the season.

Mental health experts highlight. that alone time helps us reset mentally, making it easier to handle the demands of family gatherings, gift shopping and holiday cooking.

“It’s about finding balance,” she says. “When you give yourself permission to step away, you’re better equipped to engage with others in a meaningful way.”