Being alone is something that many of us have grown accustomed to. Over the past few months, we have become much more used to the idea of being alone, and in fact, some of us may even like it quite a bit! If you are an introvert, perhaps being alone is something that you love and you do not feel as though anything needs to change. However, at one point or another, many of us start feeling the repercussions of being alone all the time. So, this week’s article will give you tips on being alone comfortably, and without feeling lonely.
- Keep up the contacts
Although some of us have started to feel the “Zoom fatigue”, or the feeling that we are constantly on screen talking to others – especially while working or studying from home –, it is important to keep up our contacts. If you start to feel lonely while being home alone, try calling a friend, even if it is just for a few minutes. Taking the first step might be the hardest one of all, but once the person starts talking, you can also let them know that you are feeling lonely and just felt like having some company.
- Understand that you are not alone in this situation
Feeling lonely is complicated as it has varied effects on different people. Some people have difficulty feeling isolated because of their relationships and jobs, such as when one works primarily from home. Other people have difficulty feeling alone and do not have any close relationships to turn to when they feel lonely. Still others have problems because they are not very outgoing or do not like meeting other people, so they may not even know where to go and who to talk to when they feel alone. This is especially true during Covid-19, and it’s made worse for those who struggle with anxiety about falling sick. As you can see, feeling lonely can stem from a variety of different factors and can manifest itself in different ways in different people. So, you are truly not alone. This is something you can talk to people about, including your therapist.
- Keep yourself busy
One of the few amazing things that was brought on by the current situation is that we have a lot more time on our hands. Therefore, you have time to pick up new habits or new fun hobbies. If you have always wanted to start up a small business, now is the time to start brainstorming it. Even better: you can make new contacts to ask them for their opinion about it. You can keep yourself busy by joining livestreams, joining free online events or setting up small goals for yourself that you get to accomplish every day instead of focusing on the fact that you are alone.
In times like these, it’s especially important to think of those who have been chronically lonely for a long time– the elderly and maybe single parents. The individuals who are currently in care homes, or even just students who are alone in their dorms, are currently facing a serious loneliness epidemic. So, take the time to call them, as speaking to another lonely person who is alone, may make the both of you much less lonely in the end. If you feel the need to speak with someone, reach out today– I can help.