The Upside of Being a Homebody

Truth time: Not all of us enjoy going out and ~doing things~. Some of us are perfectly content sitting at home in our coziest loungewear, watching our favorite show (and, ahem, scrolling). It’s not something to feel guilty about — but is being a homebody a sign of a deeper issue? We asked integrative psychotherapist Grace Lawton, LCSW, to explain. 

Is it bad to be a homebody?

“Being a homebody can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the ‘why’ behind it,” says Lawton. “If you are an introvert and enjoy being at home, yet have strong connections with close family and friends that you engage with often, this is actually a very healthy thing.”

That’s because maintaining close relationships and being in a space where you feel at peace can be good for your mental health, Lawton explains. Plus, staying home may mean you are more productive, eat healthier, and embrace self-care. 

Featured Expert:

Grace Lawton, LCSW - Integrative psychotherapist and owner of GML Therapy

But if anxious or depressive symptoms are keeping you home, “this can be a sign that your homebody behavior is related to a mental health concern,” like social or general anxiety, agoraphobia, PTSD, or depression, she says. 

If that’s the case, talking to a therapist — or, really, anyone you trust — about what you’re going through is a good first step. If you want to start socializing again, Lawton suggests activities like “taking a class, engaging in activities that are group-focused, or volunteering in your community.”