How to Be Alone and Not Lonely

One of the many conversations to come out of this strange time in the world are those about mental health. With isolation and loneliness being a big part of our existence, mental health is more important than ever to talk about.
As we all continue to work our way forward during the pandemic, being alone has almost become a part of how society functions.
Social isolation has been a challenge for the entire world and, even though we are alone, it doesn’t mean we are completely alone. Here are some strategies and ideas you can use to not feel so lonely when you are alone.

 

Video Chats

The beauty of technology is that we have access to mental health therapists anywhere that has an internet connection. Video chats are an amazing way to keep in touch with your therapist and find a connection during these disconnected times. You can also set up a time with friends or loved ones to catch up, giving you something to look forward to during the week. Another option is to surprise people and just call or video chat them. A surprise call from someone you miss can put a smile on both of your faces.

 

Walks & Hikes

Something to be aware of when you are alone for long hours every single day is your overall health. Being cooped up inside can be challenging so taking some time to get outside can do wonders for your mind and body. As we start to see a break in the weather and the sun comes out of hiding, simple walks and even longer hikes can be life changing.

Put on whatever comfortable clothes you need depending on the weather, maybe get the dog ready, and pick an outdoor spot to have a small adventure in. Walking is not only a relaxing activity, it can also be a great workout depending on the terrain and the duration you choose. Adjusting how hard it is depends on how fast or slow you choose to walk. By varying your pace, you might be surprised at the distance you can cover with a determined plan and a little preparation.

 

New Hobbies

With all of this time at home, there has never been a better moment to start a new hobby you’ve always thought about but were too busy for. When dealing with work, traveling to and from the office, fitting in family time, and everything else that tends to eat up our time, there is never really enough time in the day. With many working from home now, learning a new skill is much more in reach.
Learning new skills will use new parts of your brain and can be an exciting outlet that can last a lifetime. Not only do they help relieve stress and improve your mental health by focusing on something you enjoy, they can also become a therapeutic outlet in these difficult times.

Not sure what to sink your teeth into? Here are just a few of the many options you can start with.

• Drawing and painting have both been found to be relaxing, as they force your brain to focus on one thing.


• Cooking and baking can be a skill that is not only fun to experiment with, but also delicious if it goes well.


• Reading is a hobby that can take you to worlds you’d never thought of and expand your mind to new horizons.


• Learning basic maintenance on your house has never been easier. YouTube is full of DIY videos on how to fix that leaky sink, those squeaky stairs, even how to redo the walls in your dining room.

Having time to yourself can be overwhelming. By having a plan and a goal, you can explore new opportunities and horizons. One of the nice things about it is that nobody is watching and you can make mistakes with zero consequences. If your drawing doesn’t turn out like you thought it would, who cares? It was fun to make. If you burn dinner, what better time to try takeout from that new place down the street.
Have some fun, experiment, and enjoy this time to the fullest.