'Me time' has a lot of mental health benefits, study finds

Feel guilty about wanting some quality time with yourself? A new study say don't because the benefits are immense.

Not only does it reduce stress and depression, it also boosts creativity, according to a report by the Daily Mail. The new study conducted by researchers at the University of Buffalo are the first to show how a little solitude can "actively improve" our state of mind.

For the study, 300 people in a survey stated that their privacy mattered to them. They were also asked how they spend that time and why they liked to have "me time". They found people who spend alone time were more creative that others.

However, those that felt scared to be around people were not as productive during their time alone. "When people think about the costs associated with social withdrawal, often times they adopt a developmental perspective," lead study author Dr Julie Bowker told the Daily Mail. Adding, "Shy and avoidant individuals may be unable to use their solitude time happily and productively, maybe because they are distracted by their negative cognitions and fears," Dr Bowker.

But, this was not the same for people who choose to be on their own and like it. “They may get just enough peer interaction so that when they are alone, they are able to enjoy that solitude,” Bowker explained.

The study's findings are important because their show the immediate benefits alone time has on creative thinking and activities.