@newscientist: Spending time in solitude is good for your mental wellbeing, but how much time is enough?   Research has shown that when adults spend just 15 minutes alone with their own thoughts, it helps to regulate their emotions, both positive and negative.   In this week's episode of Change Your Mind, Cat de Lange and Helen Thomson discuss the paradoxical power of solitude it to improve our mental health, in a world where we are told that social connection is vital for a long and healthy life.   On the show, they also speak with Professor Netta Weinstein from the University of Reading, to discuss the difference between solitude and loneliness, how much alone time we really need, and what we should all be doing to reap the benefits.   Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Tap the link in our bio to learn more.

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Friday 03 July 2026 19:00:25 GMT