Right now, it’s a difficult time for a lot of people. It can be especially hard on those who are living alone or those who feel they are alone even when, in fact, they are surrounded by people. If you are one of those people, don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to help take care of yourself in those times of loneliness. I’m going to be highlighting some of these steps below by breaking them up into two categories: internal changes and external changes.
INTERNAL CHANGES
- The first step is to acknowledge whatever it is you are feeling. Acknowledgement is one of the best ways to remove the fear of the unknown. Before you even begin to help yourself, try to bring those feelings of loneliness out of the dark. You can do this by letting yourself know it’s okay to feel these things and that you are not any less of a person by experiencing them. You are not weak just for feeling this way. In fact, you are strong for coming to terms with what you are going through. This is half the battle, trust me. It won’t have power over you if you acknowledge it and embrace it.
- Embrace it, how? Let me explain. Try to clear your head from distracting or negative thoughts that try to convince you that being alone is “bad”. I know it can be difficult because you’re probably thinking, “I’m living alone in quarantine, how can it not be bad???” Well here’s the thing. If you try to change your mindset, the experience changes as well. Try telling yourself: “Hey, this is actually a good thing. I have time to really take care of myself. I actually have a few moments to breathe and relax. Maybe this is just what I need!”. This may be hard at the beginning, so if you don’t succeed after trying a few times, keep trying. You got this. Make peace with solitude. Don’t let it crush your spirit. Once you can establish this clarity of thought, the next few steps become so easy (and fun too!!).
EXTERNAL CHANGES
- Create a “Joy List”. Write down a list of things that give you pure joy. Write down everything you can think of. The idea is that you can save this list and have it ready for days you don’t feel so great. Cherish that list and always come back to it when you feel a bit lonely and you could use some cheering up. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about me, stay tuned for an upcoming post highlighting some items from my personal Joy List 🙂
- Get some fresh air. Removing yourself for a bit from your usual, confined space to get some fresh air is a great way to reset your mind. This can either be a full-blown workout or just a casual stroll – whichever you prefer. Either way, take this time to actively meditate upon everything going on in your life and all the fast-paced changes occurring on a daily basis. Take deep breaths and just relax. Enjoy every bit of nature you can soak in. Hear the birds, notice the dogs, and watch the clouds move. Try to engage all your senses. Come home and take a nice, warm shower/bath. This always helps me 🙂
- Watch a good TV show. Sometimes, it can feel a bit overwhelming and feel like too much work to go out of your way to make yourself feel better. One thing you can do is watch a good ol’ TV show that makes you laugh. Try finding something that is uplifting, light, positive, and funny. This can help put you in a much better mood when you are feeling a bit down.
- Create a proper daily routine to keep you busy and productive. Eat and sleep on time. Make sure you have proper “sleep hygiene”. This means not staying up too late, not being on electronics too much before bedtime, creating a relaxing and calming space, etc. If you take care of your body, your mind gets taken care of as well. If you stick to a routine and go about your day, the little time you have to yourself will seem much more positive and attractive to you.
- Last, but certainly not least, reach out. Even if you are physically alone or mentally alone, you are never *truly* alone. There are so many people who love you and care about you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and ask for help. Maybe you don’t really need help, per se, but all you need is some company. Whatever it may be, always always always reach out to someone or the other in times of happiness, struggle, boredom, and everything in between, if you feel like you want to. Don’t ever feel like a burden, because you aren’t.
You can always (and I truly mean ALWAYS) reach out to me at www.therisensunblog@gmail.com. If you prefer to talk, you can drop your phone number in an email and we can chat anytime. Remember – you are NEVER alone. I’m here for you guys.
Lots of love and warm hugs,
Snigdha
“ If you try to change your mindset, the experience changes as well”. This is really so true and it works like magic. When in an situation that is overwhelming one should try this and the cobwebs just disappear and you are left with a feeling of being at peace. Also love the idea of a joy list . Going make one right now. Thank you.
Yes! Love how you said the cobwebs disappear, revealing feelings of peace. That’s what we should all strive for 🙂
“If you try to change your mindset, the experience changes as well” – this is so powerful and as simple as it sounds, sometimes people don’t realize it’s this easy.
Whenever I find myself in trouble, worry, or out of control, my brother always tells me, “mind over matter” which is the same principle. It’s all in your mindset on how you approach things – telling yourself you CAN do something, that you will get through it, that it will get better. It’s really the first mental step to getting better in those hard times. As humans, I think its very easy to overthink anything, and if we break it down how you suggested, it can make dealing with it a lot better and even positive.
Thank you for sharing this post! I hope people benefit from your tips 🙂
Yes, exactly! Your brother’s words are absolutely true. Thank you so much for the support and kind words! 🙂
Creating a joy list – great novel idea! I am always tuned to create a to do list:(
Great approach for stress reduction. I might quote you Snigdha, if that is okay for my women with heart disease for non- pharmacological counselling:)
Wow! This made my day! Please go ahead and do so, I would be so grateful! 🙂 I really hope this can help at least one person. Have a wonderful day!
Well written
as always.. waiting for ur joy list.
Thank you for the kind words! Glad you are looking forward to it 🙂
Very well said..!!!
🙂 Thank you!!
Looking forward to your joy list and how it helps motivate you during these times.
🙂 Thank you, Likhi!
Well said Snigdha!! . It’s very good to have a Quarantine plan of action in these uncertain times.
Yes, for sure! Keeping a plan in mind can ease a bit of those uncomfortable feelings.