The holiday season, often touted as “the most fantastic time of the year,” can be a source of notable stress for many Americans. A recent national survey conducted by The Ohio State University wexner medical Center and College of Medicine reveals a surprising truth: nearly half of Americans (46%) feel they don’t get enough alone time during the holidays, despite 56% recognizing its crucial importance for their mental well-being.
dr. Sophie Lazarus, a clinical psychologist at ohio State, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing alone time, even in small doses. “In a world that glorifies busyness, taking a brief break alone can be incredibly rewarding both mentally and physically,” she explains. “Just a few minutes to yourself can definitely help reduce holiday stress and improve your mental health.”
lazarus highlights the physiological benefits of solitude. “By taking a brief pause alone, our nervous system can settle, our mind can settle, our body can settle. And I think that can be important. We know that chronic stress is not good for us,” she says.
Lazarus, who specializes in mindfulness-based interventions and mood and anxiety disorders, offers practical tips for incorporating solitude into busy holiday schedules. “Try putting your phone in a totally different room when you decide you’re going to spend alone time, knowing how hard it is indeed to resist picking it up, the pulls on our attention and on our priorities,” she suggests. “Or take two or three minutes in the car before you go pick your kids up or before you go back into the house after work to just be alone.”
These small acts of self-care can make a big difference in managing holiday stress and ensuring a more enjoyable season for everyone.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for ourselves can feel like a luxury. But according to Dr. Lazarus, a renowned psychologist, prioritizing “alone time” is crucial for our mental well-being. Dr. Lazarus emphasizes that this doesn’t necessarily mean complete isolation.
“One size doesn’t fit everyone. Being flexible and finding a balance is best,” dr. lazarus advises.
Dr. Lazarus reassures us that taking time for ourselves isn’t selfish. “I think it’s important to remember that just because you’re prioritizing yourself at this moment doesn’t mean that you’re selfish and doesn’t mean that you always make the choice to prioritize yourself over others,” she explains.
Alone time can take many forms. “Some people might experience alone time from going to a movie by themselves or going to a park where there’s a lot of people, or going to a coffee shop,” dr. Lazarus suggests. “It can also be this absence of having to perform or interact socially in a more direct way.”
About this Psychology research News
Author: Ben Roselieb
Source: Ohio State University
Contact: Ben Roselieb – Ohio State University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
## Finding Yourself in the Hustle and Bustle: Prioritizing Alone Time During the Holidays
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
The holiday season, a time often associated with joy and celebration, can often become a whirlwind of social obligations and stressful expectations. A recent national survey conducted by The Ohio State university Wexner Medical Center and college of Medicine highlights a surprising truth: nearly half (46%) of Americans feel they don’t get enough alone time during the holidays, even though 56% recognize its importance for their mental well-being. To delve deeper into this seemingly contradictory trend,World-Today-News spoke with Dr. Sophie Lazarus, a clinical psychologist at Ohio State.
**WTN:** Dr. Lazarus, thank you for joining us today. The survey results paint a interesting picture. Why do think so many Americans struggle to prioritize alone time during the holidays, despite acknowledging its benefits?
**Dr. Lazarus:** The holiday season fosters a deep cultural push towards togetherness and busyness. We’re bombarded with images of idyllic gatherings and feel pressured to create these picture-perfect celebrations.This can frequently enough lead to overcommitment and a neglect of our individual needs for solitude and rejuvenation.
**WTN:** What are the potential consequences of not getting enough alone time during this already stressful period?
**dr. Lazarus:** Chronic stress, fatigue, irritability, and even anxiety can arise from a lack of downtime. When we’re constantly surrounded by people and activity, our nervous systems don’t get the chance to de-stress and recharge. This can have a domino effect, impacting our mood, our relationships, and our overall well-being.
**WTN:** And what are the benefits of carving out even small moments of solitude during the holidays?
**Dr. Lazarus:** Even brief periods of alone time can be incredibly powerful. Taking a few minutes to yourself allows your nervous system to settle, your mind to quiet down, and your body to relax. This can lead to improved focus, emotional regulation, and a sense of calm amidst the holiday chaos.
**WTN:** Do you have any practical tips for our readers on how to prioritize alone time during the demanding holiday season?
**Dr. Lazarus:** Absolutely! Start by being mindful of your needs. Identify moments in your schedule where you can carve out even just 10-15 minutes for yourself. This could be a quiet walk in nature, a relaxing bath, or simply sitting in a quiet room with a cup of tea. Communicate your need for solitude to your loved ones; they’ll likely understand and support your efforts.
**WTN:** Dr. Lazarus, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. Your message is a timely reminder that prioritizing our well-being,even in small doses,is essential during the holidays and throughout the year.
