How to be alone without being lonely

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Avatar for Abk001
Written by
2 years ago

This is what happens to me the time of covid-19, it was somehow at the first time because i have not been lonely before but with time i know that been alone is the best thing in this life,

You will never see anybody trouble and you will learn many things about your life, you will be thinking about your future how your future will be.

Being alone is often a luxury which has many positive outcomes. In our busy lives, we all strive to carve out space or time to find peace and solitude  to reflect, unwind, and be creative.

Loneliness, which is far less satisfying, occurs when we crave social and emotional needs that are not being met. It is when we miss mattering to others irrespective of whether we are alone or living with someone. Social loneliness is felt when we do not have a confidante and are unable to get support from peers, colleagues, family, or friends. Emotional loneliness is more likely when there is a lack of intimacy in close, exclusive relationships with one’s romantic partner, parents, or kids. Loneliness, in its different forms, can lead to despair and depression.

Past studies during the SARS pandemic show that individuals who were quarantined during the outbreak had higher levels of anxiety and depression and reported more alcohol abuse three years later. The lockdown and distancing measures in the wake of Covid-19 has forced many single adults to be “alone” in their homes such that they are essentially quarantined and restricted in the type of social interactions they can have. At first, such individuals may see in an increase in productivity as they are likely to replace social activities with more alone time on work. People may savor being alone at first as they suddenly feel they have more time to do things they have always wanted to do (e.g., cook more, read more, learn a language, write a blog). However, as weeks pass by, and “being alone” does not remain a personal choice but something that is mandated upon you, one can feel burnout and restlessness as loneliness sets in.

How to Combat Loneliness While Being Alone

1. Understand the underlying causes for the symptoms you feel and then challenge your reactions. It is expected that the emotional and mental toll of what we are doing and seeing in these Covid-19 times will have significant effects on us. It isn’t always easy to admit to yourself that you’re feeling lonely. If you notice any of the following signs of loneliness, the first step is to acknowledge them:

When we start to believe that we have no control over what happens and that the only thing we can do is accept our fate or just give up on trying that is a sign of helplessness. However, what is needed is a reminder that “this too shall pass.” Carefully analyze what you are thinking and actively challenge these ideas and dispute the negative thought patterns. When you become aware of your feelings and recognize the patterns in thoughts while engaging in self-talk that takes you out of what may be a downward spiral of learned helplessness and sadness — your mental health improves.

2. Watch what you consume. Pay attention to what you read and watch while at home. If you’re practicing social distancing, obsessively reviewing live updates on Covid-19 may not be necessary. It will take time to flatten the curve, and this may last longer than we thought. Thus, daily checks on global transmission and death rates may at times give the impression that nothing is changing. Information you consume has a conscious and unconscious effect on your emotions and thoughts. One way to regulate your emotions while engaging in passive leisure like TV and radio is to pick episodes that make you feel the emotions you are craving rather than instituting further fear and feelings of loss.

3. Find a project that gives you creative control. At this stage, many of us are uncertain about the future and feel that we lack control over when this period of isolation will end. Such a lack of control can lead to grief and sadness. Research shows that activities that provide control, autonomy, and a sense of achievement lead to more happiness. Creative art projects that require repetitive movements can reduce stress. Building something from scratch (even a Lego assembly) can give you a sense of control, purpose and achievement. You could also invest time in your future by using the time to upskill yourself. Many free online courses are being promoted; this may be the time to take advantage of them.

4. The quality is more critical than the quantity in your tribe. Feeling connected irrespective of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, is a fundamental human need. Social attachment and intimacy we share with friends, family, and our colleagues promote mental and physical health. If you are working from home, acknowledge that the colleagues at work — with whom you spent a majority of your working hours, sharing work stressors and celebrating success, and sneaking out for that lunch or Friday evening drink — filled an essential gap in your life. You must reach out to them and continue as many of those interactions virtually. Pick up that phone and message a friend or a colleague. Just ask them how they are doing. Do not fear interrupting others (if it’s not odd hours) as they may be waiting to catch up and connect too.

5. Use technology wisely. Remember that you have a lot of technology at your disposal. However, platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be used to view the lives of others for the sake of comparison, or it can be used to build connections. Focus on building relationships by using these platforms to reach out; by devoting time to have agenda-less chats, to vent, to listen, and to encourage. Use social platforms not to get general life and news updates merely, but to have more meaningful conversations where you self-disclose and show vulnerability and inquire about other’s feelings and thoughts and to build intimacy, companionship, and deeper social connections.

6. Show self-compassion and find ways to be altruistic. We have to accept that we are in a period of crisis, and the grief, anxiety, and possible loneliness may be part of the package. You are not alone. For some of us, loneliness may make us less motivated and productive—but that is okay too. If you blame yourself and feel guilty, you could make it worse. Your Instagram may be overflowing with videos from high achievers who have figured it all out — some who’ve decided to learn a new language or play a new instrument. Stop comparing. It is okay if you are not ultra-productive and achieving all your dreams in this traumatic period of isolation.

Instead, to combat loneliness, focus on caring for others. Research shows that one can feel a sense of purpose when we help others, as it reminds us that our actions can matter. Depending on what part of the world you’re in and how strict the restrictions are, find ways to drop off care packages for the under privileged, donate blood or offer to do grocery for your neighbor the next time you step out for yours. These small gestures can go a long way to combat loneliness, build connections, and give significance to your current life.

You can learn from this my article, so if you are alone, you should not feel lonely again

Thanks you all for reading this.

You all have a good day.

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Avatar for Abk001
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