Loneliness is a widespread problem in the U.S. But being lonely and being alone aren't the same — and there are real health benefits to spending time by yourself.

Why it matters: It's not easy to spend quality time alone. We're distracted by devices, troubled by anxious thoughts or just plain bored.

• In one study, people actually preferred to give themselves electric shocks rather than spend 6 to 15 minutes alone in a room.

🖼️ The big picture: Solitude can be a critical part of a healthy, happy life.

• It can boost mood by helping us to reflect and recharge.
• People who didn't spend much time alone felt more lonely, a recent study found. Those who spent less than 25% of their time alone reported high levels of loneliness — as did those who spent 75% of their time solo.

🔎 How to have healthy alone time, via Verywell Mind:

1. Make it voluntary. The best periods of solitude come when we plan for them and look forward to them, instead of just finding ourselves alone when plans fall through.
2. Plan something fun. Ideas include taking yourself out to dinner, working at a new skill or volunteering.
3. Eliminate noise. As Finish Line readers have told us, screen-free me-time is the most effective way to give our overstimulated brains a break.

The bottom line: Don't be afraid of solitude. It can relieve stress, boost confidence and teach us something new about ourselves.

Here's an early spring sunset, taken from the Istrian hills in Croatia, looking toward the Adriatic Sea and Italy, by reader Allen Docal in Fairfax, Va.

• Send your best pics of spring to [email protected]!