With this pandemic in full swing, your routine and regular schedule have been shifted. Schools are closed, business hours are reduced, work from home policies have been implemented, and job security for non-essential workers is almost non-existent. Social distancing and stay-at-home are the orders of the day and many are struggling to cope.
I don’t know if anyone has asked lately but how are you? How has this pandemic been affecting you and your family? This period has caused individuals to connect with their families and experience family life in a whole new way. For others, they are spending the time doing introspections and reflections. However, the harsh reality for a lot of people is loneliness.
Loneliness
Loneliness is commonly defined as the state of solitude or being alone. It can go a bit deeper, as in many cases, loneliness affects the state of mind of an individual. Persons experiencing loneliness can feel empty, alone and unwanted. More negative effects on one’s mental health include increased stress levels, antisocial behaviour, decreased memory & learning, depression, drug abuse and alcoholism and, in extreme situations, suicide.
Loneliness is something many people are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s be honest, it can get extremely challenging coping! For many, the lack of freedom to move about, visit friends, hang out in malls or parks is disheartening. Being inside is alright – if it’s your own choice. But being cooped up inside by law can be overwhelming. Even a proud introvert like myself feel the effects of the restrictions every once in a while. The good news is, there are ways you can combat the effects of loneliness.
Here are 10 things you can do to fight this inner crisis:
- Maintain a strong support system: While you may not be able to have people around you physically, it helps to know that there are people in your corner. Keeping in touch with your friends and family members who make up your support system can do you some good. Send a message to check-in or make a phone call. If video calls are your thing (and the other person is OK with it too), go ahead. Staying connected digitally may not be ideal but it’s the best many of us can do now. Let’s try to make the best of it.
- Virtual movie night: the other night, my friends and I did a virtual movie night with one of our friends in Japan. We did it on the Zoom streaming app (it was the free version so a couple pauses in between) and it was really fun! We commented in our group chat about what was happening to made loud exclamations about the progression of the storyline. It felt as close as possible to us being together. Maybe this is something you may want to try with your own friends. Get a great movie (ours was a tearjerker… my God), some popcorn if you like and get to watching (and talking).
- Online party: Another virtual event that’s good is an online party. Now I haven’t had one – yet – but from what I’ve seen and heard, it can be really fun if you have the right people and are creative enough to make it work. There are so many things you can do with your virtual party (or hangout… whichever works): play party games, have dance-offs or sing karaoke. Whatever you decide, get some fun-loving friends and make it memorable.
- Listen to podcasts: Podcasts have been pretty popular these past few years and some podcasters have shared a lot of wisdom on topics like wealth, marriage, family life and business. If you don’t mind hearing people talk at length then feel free to check out some podcasts for your listening pleasure. How Married Are You by Glen and Yvette Henry from Beleaf in Fatherhood is a good place to start – they’re fun. For money talks, Redefining Wealth with Patrice Washington is a worthy suggestion.
- Read: You can’t go wrong with reading unless you don’t like to read. Now is the perfect time to catch up on all those books you said you were going to read but have put down for months. Have a favourite topic? Get some books on it and educate yourself. How about fiction? Allow yourself to get lost in a world co-created by yours and the author’s imagination. You won’t feel alone with the characters of a well-written book. If you have friends who won’t mind joining in, read a book together and discuss it. Book club!
- Create a mood-boosting playlist: It’s no secret that music – the right music – can be uplifting. Find a few of your favs or get some new favs and vibe to them when you’re lonely. Sing aloud, dance, make your own music video or whatever floats your boat. Just get those blues out of your system!
- Do A Personal Project: With all this extra free time suddenly available to you, it’s the perfect time to create, plan and execute some things. For many of us, we have some visions and dreams we want to bring to life – now is the perfect time to work on these. You may not be able to get everything done but making plans for it and taking little steps towards the goals can really help to pass the days. Don’t have any grandiose plans in mind? That’s alright! Do something small but fun and meaningful! Try your hand at painting, redecorate a room in your house, do some relaxing colouring pages or try a new recipe. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas so there’s no need to worry if you can’t come up with one on your own.
- Introduce you… to you: Because of the bustle of life, many of us tend to lose sight of who we truly are. We often attach our identities and our worth to things like our roles, careers, relationships and education. During this ‘go-slow’ period, spend some time rediscovering yourself. You may discover some new interests, some defining habits or some puzzling traits. For some, it may be difficult because there are old wounds that need reopening and addressing in order to heal. If this proves to be overwhelming for you, that’s okay. Seek help from a trusted person or, step back a bit. Take it one day at a time.
- Journaling: This is linked to the eighth suggestion but can stand independently as well. Writing down your thoughts, ideas and feelings can help you relieve feelings of loneliness. A good way to start journaling is by using journal prompts such as Who inspires you most in life?, Your ultimate goal in life, What do you need to forgive yourself for? Give yourself a compliment.
- Prayer partner: Not neglecting our spirituality, keeping the line of prayer open in this season is critical. For all that’s taking place, seeking God is important in keeping you comforted and reminded of His truths and promises. For many, praying is difficult but having a prayer partner can assist. As the scriptures say, “iron sharpens iron”. So, pulling from the strength of someone and sharing a moment of prayer can be powerful. I’ve embarked on a 7-day intercessory partnership with a friend and it has been great. Up for your own 7-days of prayer? Grab a friend and go!
These are just a few simple ways to beat loneliness and low moods in this period but I’m sure there are more? Know any other great ones? Please, share them in the comment section!
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Paula-Kaye Murphy is a young woman who understands what it means to struggle with one’s mental health with no help. As a result of this, she has dedicated herself to encouraging and educating persons on mental health as well as advocating for those struggling with mental illness. Her work can be found at thestilledsoul.wordpress.com where she focuses on topics of Mental Health and Faith.