Being alone is a privilege that can have many beneficial effects. All of us look for some quiet time or space in our hectic schedules so that we can recharge our batteries and come up with some original ideas.
Unmet social and emotional requirements lead to loneliness, which is much less satisfying. It’s the feeling of not being important to other people, which might happen when we’re living alone or with others. We experience social isolation when we don’t have anyone to talk to and can’t count on friends, family, or coworkers when we need help.
Lack of intimacy in committed, exclusive relationships like those with a partner, parents, or children increases the risk of experiencing emotional isolation. Despair and depression are outcomes of isolation in its various manifestations.
Those who were quarantined during the SARS pandemic were shown to suffer from increased anxiety and despair as well as increased alcohol usage three years later, according to previous studies. As a result of the quarantine and isolation policies implemented in the wake of Covid-19, many single adults are now effectively “alone” in their houses.
At first, this may seem like a good thing because such people are more inclined to spend their time working alone than engaging in social activities. At first, being alone can be refreshing since it gives people the opportunity to pursue their own interests at their own pace (e.g., cook more, read more, learn a language, and write a blog).
However, as time passes and “being alone” becomes less of a choice and more of a necessity, feelings of exhaustion and restlessness often accompany the onset of loneliness.
How to Fight Loneliness When You’re Alone
- Learn what’s behind your feelings of isolation and test your assumptions about why you’re experiencing them.
The mental and emotional toll of what we are experiencing in these Covid-19 times is likely to be substantial. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that you’re lonely. The first step in overcoming loneliness is recognizing its symptoms.
- Lack of energy and interest in getting out of bed on time, logging on to a virtual workplace, or getting in a workout routine.
- Anxiety and inability to relax, even when doing something as passive as watching TV or listening to the radio.
- Substance misuse, depression, and a lack of enthusiasm to engage in virtual interactions or social isolation are other symptoms (drinking and smoking more than usual).
It is a sign of helplessness when we start to believe that we have no choice except to accept our fate or give up trying altogether.
Yet, what’s required is a sobering realization that “this, too, shall pass.” Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and aggressively refute any negative thought patterns you may have noticed. Awareness of emotions and cognitive patterns, along with self-talk that breaks the cycle of learned helplessness and depression, can have a profoundly positive effect on one’s emotional and mental well-being.
- Be mindful of what you consume.
Be mindful of the media you consume in your spare time. Reviewing Covid-19’s live updates may not be required if you’re trying to cultivate social distance. We may be in for a longer period of time of this than we originally anticipated, as it will take time to flatten the curve.
Therefore, it may appear that nothing is happening when checking global transmission and death rates on a daily basis.
The information you take in affects you both consciously and subconsciously. Selecting shows that give you the feel-good vibes you’re after rather than reinforcing negative emotions like worry and sadness is one method to keep your moods in check while you enjoy passive forms of entertainment like TV and radio.
- Get involved in anything that allows you to exercise your imagination.
Many of us are currently feeling hopeless and powerless about the future and the timing of the end of our current era of solitude. The inability to prevent something tragic from happening can cause devastating emotional distress.
Happiness increases when one’s time is spent on things over which one has some measure of control, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment, according to the research. Making something artistic that requires a lot of repetition is a great way to unwind.
A sense of mastery, significance, and accomplishment can be gained by constructing something from scratch, even if it’s just an elaborate Lego set.
Time spent learning new skills is also a worthwhile investment in your future success. Now could be a good time to take advantage of the many free online courses that are now being advertised.
- A high standard of excellence is more important than a large population size in your tribe.
It’s important for everyone, introvert or extrovert, to feel like they belong. The social bonds we form with our loved ones and the closeness we experience at work are good for our emotional and physical well-being.
Recognize the void that your officemates used to fill in your life now that you’re working from home, where you no longer spend the majority of your waking hours discussing work woes and triumphs, or sneaking away for a quick bite or drink at lunch or after work on the weekend.
You need to make contact and keep up as many of the conversations as possible online.
Grab your cell phone and send a quick text to a pal or coworker. It’s enough to simply inquire as to how they are doing. To reconnect with others, you shouldn’t be afraid to interrupt them (unless it’s an unusual time).
- Make intelligent use of modern tools.
Keep in mind that there is a lot of tech available to you. However, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be utilized in either a comparative or a relational manner.
Intentionally reaching out to others through various channels, taking the time to have unstructured conversations, share frustrations and triumphs, listen, and provide words of encouragement, all serve to strengthen bonds and foster friendships.
If you want to build intimacy, companionship, and deeper social connections, instead of just using social media to get general life and news updates, try using it to have more meaningful conversations in which you self-disclose and show vulnerability, and inquire about the feelings and thoughts of others.
- Practice kindness toward yourself and look for opportunities to help others.
We have to recognize that we are going through a time of crisis and that it is probable that we will experience loss, worry, and isolation as a result.
Do not feel isolated. Some of us may be less driven and productive while we’re alone, and that’s good too. It could get even worse if you start blaming and punishing yourself.
You may have found that your Instagram feed is flooded with videos of people who seem to have it all figured out, including some who have opted to study a foreign language or pick up an instrument. Put an end to the comparison.
It’s understandable if, during this trying time alone, you aren’t able to produce at peak efficiency or realize every one of your goals.
Care for others, rather than yourself, to avoid feeling lonely. It has been shown via studies that being of service to others can give us a sense of meaning and fulfillment since it reminds us that our activities have an impact.
Depending on the regulations in your area, you may provide care packages to the less fortunate, give blood, or volunteer to handle the neighbors’ food shopping the next time you go out.
A little effort in any of these directions can go a long way toward warding off isolation, fostering new relationships, and providing meaning to the present moment.