Making Peace With Solitude

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Practical ideas for finding comfort and calm in time spent alone

Being alone isn’t always the same as being lonely.

Solitude can bring quiet, freedom, and space to think — but it can also feel empty or unsettling at times, especially after loss or change.

Learning to live peacefully with your own company can turn solitude into something that restores rather than drains you.

• Acknowledge the difference between solitude and loneliness

  • Loneliness is the pain of disconnection; solitude can be a choice that brings rest and reflection. It’s possible to experience both at different times. Recognising this helps you accept that being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely.

• Create structure in your day

  • Without company, days can drift. A simple routine — meals at regular times, short walks, listening to music, or reading — helps you feel grounded. Purposeful structure turns empty hours into gentle rhythm.

• Make your space feel peaceful and personal

  • A calm, tidy environment supports calm thoughts. Add light, warmth, or familiar touches such as plants, photos, or favourite music. Your surroundings can become companions that bring comfort.

• Enjoy quiet activities that suit your nature

  • Solitude allows time for things that need focus and stillness — writing, art, puzzles, gardening, or reflection. These activities help you stay present and engaged with life in your own way.

• Let your thoughts come and go

  • When alone, it’s easy for worries or memories to grow louder. Try to observe them rather than fight them — take a deep breath, name the thought, and let it pass. Mindful attention turns solitude into an opportunity for calm rather than rumination.

• Stay gently connected to the outside world

  • Peaceful solitude doesn’t mean total withdrawal. Balance quiet time with light connection — a phone call, a neighbourly chat, or a visit to the shops. This balance keeps you anchored to everyday life.

• Learn to enjoy your own company

  • Notice moments when you feel at ease — having a warm drink, reading by a window, or sitting in nature. These experiences show that comfort can exist even in silence. With time, being alone can feel less like absence and more like presence.

• Reflection questions

  • When does solitude feel peaceful, and when does it feel lonely?

  • What activities help me feel most content on my own?

  • How can I balance quiet time with gentle connection?

• If being alone feels too heavy

  • If solitude turns into prolonged isolation or distress, speak to your GP or a counsellor. Support can help you manage loneliness and find a healthier balance between connection and quiet.

• You’re not alone

  • Many people learn to find peace in their own company, even after loss or change. With gentle routine, small connections, and care for your surroundings, solitude can become a space of rest, reflection, and quiet strength.

If you’d like to explore how professional support can help with emotional wellbeing in later life, click to visit the Counselling for Older People page.