As the festive season unfurls its vibrant tapestry, the idiosyncrasies of each family member are cast into stark relief. I had been counting down the days until my parents graced my cozy one-bedroom apartment with their presence for a week-long Thanksgiving sojourn.

Yet, the intimacy of our quarters presented a challenge in catering to the eclectic needs and predilections of our clan. My mother, once the orchestrator of our elaborate holiday pageants, has in recent years embraced a more laissez-faire attitude towards celebrations, a stark contrast to the rest of our family's steadfast traditionalism. My sister, an ardent feline aficionado residing just above, was resolute in her determination not to abandon her postoperative feline companion, ensuring a vigilant watch was kept over its recovery. My father, the solitary male in our matriarchal abode, occasionally found himself at the receiving end of gentle admonitions for his boisterous demeanor or his occasional inattentiveness during pivotal discourses. As for myself, my family might suggest that I could benefit from cultivating a more resilient spirit when it comes to the outcomes of my culinary endeavors.

By day's end, we all found ourselves yearning for a sliver of personal space and a respite of quietude. While it might seem awkward to petition for time apart, I've come to understand that it's indispensable for nurturing the robust familial bonds we share. I am far from being the sole sentinel of this sentiment; many seek equilibrium between socializing and solitude during the holiday season.

A recent survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, unveiled on a Tuesday, revealed that 46% of Americans feel they have less time to themselves during the holidays. "The holidays bring a heightened level of input, demands, and stress, making it especially important to pay attention to your need for solitude," remarked Sophie Lazarus, a clinical psychologist in the psychiatry and behavioral health department at Ohio State and one of the survey's architects and reviewers. The survey, conducted in early October with 1,004 participants aged 18 and above, also indicated that 56% of respondents consider solitude to be vital for their mental health.

The concept of alone time can vary significantly from one individual to another. For some, it's about physical separation from others, while for others, it's the capacity to disconnect mentally even when physically alone, according to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist and Emerita Professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles. To discern whether solitude rejuvenates or exhausts you, Durvasula recommends setting aside an entire day or weekend for yourself and observing the impact on your emotional state.

If you find that you feel reinvigorated after spending time alone, make a conscious effort to incorporate more solitude into your routine. Conversely, if being alone leaves you feeling drained, it might indicate that you should seek out social interactions more frequently.

Lazarus suggests activities such as journaling, meditation, physical exercise, and listening to music as ways to unwind and recharge while alone, which can help you be more present when you reconnect with others. Although solitude is critical for emotional balance, it can be difficult to step away from loved ones, especially when you don't see them often. "Some people worry that wanting downtime makes them seem unsociable or unkind, and they're concerned about hurting others' feelings," Durvasula noted.

However, taking time to disconnect during family gatherings can prevent minor irritations from overshadowing meaningful connections. In fact, the survey found that 36% of individuals report being more irritable due to a lack of alone time. "We often don't get the chance to lower the volume on the constant social monitoring and calibration we engage in," Durvasula explained.

There are subtle ways to incorporate solitude without making formal requests, such as going for a walk, running an errand by yourself, or waking up early to enjoy a peaceful moment before the rest of the household starts their day. Lazarus also advises taking a few extra minutes to wash your hands or breathe deeply in your car before entering an event as a way to reset your mind.

For those who wish to reconnect with family and friends while also taking a break after what might have been a tiring year, finding the right balance can be challenging, according to Dr. Fallon Goodman, an assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at George Washington University in DC. However, she also points out that certain holidays may naturally lend themselves to moments of solitude. "On New Year's Eve, for instance, people often reflect on their achievements, challenges, and losses from the past year and set goals to enter the new year with purpose and determination," she said via email.

Everyone has a different social energy threshold, so some loved ones might resist if you ask for time apart. "Be prepared for the possibility that some people will push back when you set boundaries around your availability," Durvasula warned. The recommendation for solitude is not a one-size-fits-all solution. "Instead, it's essential to tailor socializing strategies based on personal preferences and energy requirements," Goodman emphasized. The survey also revealed that older adults are significantly less likely to agree that solitude is important, and Lazarus stresses that for those who are already feeling lonely, engaging with others is usually the better choice. "The broader picture is to be mindful of your mental health and emotional well-being to determine what amount of solitude would be most beneficial," Lazarus advised.