Have you ever taken time to reflect on the benefits of thinking on your own company? Research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General reveals that most people underestimate how enjoyable and powerful moments of solitude can be. In a study conducted by Dr. Aya Hatano and her team, participants expected sitting and thinking for […]
Have you ever taken time to reflect on the benefits of thinking on your own company? Research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General reveals that most people underestimate how enjoyable and powerful moments of solitude can be. In a study conducted by Dr. Aya Hatano and her team, participants expected sitting and thinking for 20 minutes to be boring, but afterward, they found it more enjoyable than they anticipated.
Dr. Aya Hatano from Kyoto University and her team tested this idea with 259 participants across various experiments. They found that people enjoyed their own thoughts much more than they expected. This has significant implications for our overstimulated world where smartphones and constant notifications make it easy to avoid being alone with our minds.
Start with just 5 minutes. Put your phone away and give yourself permission to think freely. Over time, make moments of solitude a habit. This practice can lead to surprising moments of joy and creativity, improving your mental and emotional health.
Many successful individuals credit moments of solitude with their greatest breakthroughs. For instance, renowned inventors and writers have often spoken about the clarity and inspiration they’ve found in quiet reflection. Whether it’s solving a complex problem or finding emotional balance, dedicating time to think alone has proven to be a transformative practice.
In a world full of distractions, embracing the power of thinking alone is a simple yet powerful way to enrich your life. Take a break from the noise—your mind will thank you.
Source: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/07/thoughts-mind-wander
