You don’t need to be an introvert to enjoy being alone. Allowing yourself to spend time away from the world is one of the most liberating things you could possibly do for yourself. I do it all the time. Whether it be having a spa day for myself or studying alone in a cafe without friends, spending time by myself is anything but lonely. Here is a list of 10 reasons why I prefer being in the company of myself.

1.) I enjoy being independent and in charge of my life.

When I'm alone, I have all the power. I am in control of everything. Having that constant as a part of my life keeps me feeling confident and reassures myself of the positive, fulfilling life I have ahead of me.

2.) I enjoy recharging and recovering from life and all its stress.

Being in college may sound like it’s all fun, but I promise you, it is more stress than anything. Being forced to live independently and being accountable for your actions is a lot to take on, especially throughout the most formative years of your life. Spending time alone really helps me take a step back from life and relax. Sometimes, all we really need is a little quality alone time to recuperate from the beauty that is life.

3.) I enjoy being self-aware and building up my emotional intelligence.

Personally, I believe that being in tune with yourself mentally is one of the greatest keys to success. It leads to a happy life and stable lifestyle, free of negativity. When I am alone, I find that I am fully able to reflect on my past actions and see how I can improve on them next time, refining myself as a person.

4.) I enjoy boosting my self-esteem.

After 18 years of living and experiencing life, I have realized that sometimes, you’ve got to be your biggest fan. Spending time alone allows yourself to think of all the ways you find yourself amazing. Don’t be afraid to hype yourself up. We are our biggest critics, so don’t be afraid to compliment yourself once in awhile. You deserve it.

5.) I enjoy being productive and completing my essential daily tasks.

When alone, I find myself with fewer distractions. As a result, I stay on my grind and get everything that I wanted to get done, done. Being productive, for me anyways, is best accomplished when I’m on my own. Thus, when I know I have a lot of work to do and need to get it all done quickly and efficiently, I take time for myself and get it all finished.

6.) I enjoy being able to do whatever I want.

Like I said, being alone gives you complete control. You aren’t forced into doing activities you don’t want to do. Allow yourself to do whatever it is your heart desires. You feel like working out? Work out. You feel like binge-watching a show on Netflix and pigging out on food? Binge watch that show and pig out on food. As long as you’re doing what you want and you’re happy, that’s all that matters.

7.) I enjoy learning how to trust myself and who I am.

Trusting myself and who I am has been a struggle for as long as I remember. I’ve doubted myself and my abilities for what seems like forever. However, spending time with myself helps me become more in tune with myself and gives me the chance to trust and believe in the person I am.

8.) I enjoy reflecting on my relationship with those around me and appreciating their presence in my life.

Being alone not only helps me appreciate myself but also those around me. Spending time alone helps me realize how much I enjoy being in the company of others. It provides me the perfect balance of self-time and time with others, that way I am not oversaturated with an excess of either.

9.) I enjoy being able to understand myself and really figure out who I am.

Figuring out who I am has been one of the greatest challenges I've faced throughout the entirety of my life. I have this ideal image of the person I want to be, that perfect, well-rounded woman that almost every girl strives to be. Seems simple enough, but achieving

10.) I enjoy being my own best friend.

There is no one that understands me better than I understand myself. Allowing myself to spend extra, quality time with myself gives me the opportunity to further discover and understand who I was, who I am, and who I want to be.