
Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin 263 — How 15 Minutes of Solitude Can Change Your Life with Professor Robert Coplan
Nov 10, 2025
Dr. Robert Coplan, a developmental psychologist and author of The Joy of Solitude, dives into the transformative power of alone time. He explains how solitude differs from loneliness and its essential benefits for well-being. Learn about the 'deactivation effect' that boosts emotions and creativity. Coplan shares fascinating insights on setting tech boundaries during personal time and how 15 minutes a day can enhance mental strength. He also discusses why solitude is vital for children and offers tips to embrace the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) over FOMO.
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Solitude Is Subjective And Flexible
- Solitude can be physical separation or a perceived separation even in crowds.
- People experience solitude differently, so personal meaning determines its benefits.
Choice Turns Solitude From Harmful To Healing
- Loneliness is unwanted separation while solitude can be a chosen place that restores and energizes.
- Choosing solitude lets you down-regulate intense emotions and incubate creativity.
The Brain's 'Deactivation Effect' In Solitude
- Solitude produces a 'deactivation effect' that reduces emotional intensity and mental noise.
- Letting your mind wander during solitude helps consolidate thoughts and sparks creative insights.


