<ul><li>Emerging research suggests there are upsides to being reclusive, all by ourselves, minding our own business – for both our work lives and our emotional well-being.</li><li>Prolonged solitude or extreme social isolation is proven to be harmful, but a good amount of alone time has its advantages.</li></ul>

Being a Loner can be good

There is a difference between useful solitude and extreme isolation. If someone stops caring about people and cuts off all contact, this could point to pathological neglect of social relations, becoming dysfunctional - this is dangerous.Being a creative loner while having interactions, is about striking the right balance, and any form of extreme behaviour is unhealthy.

The Loner: Useful Solitude

<ul><li>Being a loner boosts the creative space.</li><li>Creativity has <a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=1EBT3Qj5L5EC&oi=fnd&pg=PA113&dq=gregory+feist&ots=7LcrBBYETm&sig=EpMJ9fPRAmcoKAWwGapzB_VC8ZQ#v=onepage&q=gregory%20feist&f=false">two key elements</a>: originality and usefulness. </li><li>Personality traits commonly associated with creativity are openness (or receptiveness), self-efficacy (confidence), and autonomy (independence).</li></ul>

Improved creativity

“There’s a real danger with people who are never alone.”

Social withdrawal is categorized into three types:<ol><li>Shyness caused by fear or anxiety</li><li>Avoidance, caused by a dislike of socializing</li><li>Unsociability, caused by a preference for being alone.</li></ol>

Types of Social Withdrawal

<ul><li>Since ancient times, people know the connection between isolation and mental focus. Cultures with traditions of old religions believe that solitude is important for enlightenment. </li><li>A loner's brain goes in a state of active mental rest, due to the stillness of being alone. When we are with people, the brain can’t help but pay attention. That can be termed as a distraction. </li><li>Daydreaming in the absence of such distractions activates the brain’s default-mode network. This network helps to consolidate memory and understand others’ emotions. Letting a mind wander helps with focus in the long term and strengthens your sense of both yourself and others. </li><li>Periods of solitude actually help when it comes time to socialize, with the occasional absence of focus helping concentration in the long run. </li></ul>

Inward Focus

<ul><li>It’s hard to be introspective, self-aware, and fully relaxed unless you have occasional solitude. </li><li>Introverts tend to have fewer but stronger friendships – which has been linked to <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/having-fewer-friends-is-better-for-you-and-that-s-great-news-for-introverts-like-me-10459033.html">greater happiness</a>.</li></ul>

Loner: The Conclusion

This story is featured in BBC Future's "Best of 2018" collection. Discover more of our picks. I can be a reluctant socialiser. I'm sometimes secretly pleased when social plans are called off. I get restless a few hours into a hangout.