New Books Network Robert J. Coplan, "The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)
Mar 18, 2026
Robert J. Coplan, psychologist and author of The Joy of Solitude, shares research-based perspectives on solitude as a source of well-being and creativity. He distinguishes solitude from loneliness. He explains how brief daily alone time stabilizes mood, boosts creativity, and sharpens relationships. He debunks myths, explores cultural stigma, and outlines when solitude helps or harms.
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Prioritize Fifteen Minutes Of Intentional Alone Time
- Do aim for short daily alone periods rather than waiting for long retreats; even 15 minutes yields measurable mood and focus benefits.
- Choose a solitary activity you find meaningful (walking, knitting, reading, music, even a casual phone game) to get the benefits.
Flip Solitude From Punishment To Gift
- Reframe alone time from punishment to opportunity by calling it 'me time' or a gift to reset and reflect.
- Replace ruminative uses of solitude by intentionally selecting restorative activities and labeling the break positively.
Mind Wandering In Solitude Sparks Creativity
- Solitude reduces sensory and social input, allowing mind-wandering that incubates creativity and problem solving.
- Coplan likens it to rolling up car windows so your brain can stop processing a constant pressure and make novel connections.
