9 things to help combat loneliness during lockdown.
Whew, what a time, huh? If you’re floating in and out of confusion at the moment, you’re definitely not the only one. Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges for many people during the lockdown. Being alone, or being stuck with the same people or person 24/7 really does take its toll. Here are our top tips on the things you can do to remain social during this difficult time…
You’re not alone in feeling alone
Please don’t forget this. Your bedroom might feel like the loneliest place on the planet at the moment, but most of us are in the same boat and feeling exactly what you’re feeling right now. It’s a strange irony that we’re together virtually, whilst being so physically apart.
Do all the things that make you happy
Ever been so immersed in doing something that you completely lose track of time? Scientists call this ‘the flow’: an activity that gives you so much enjoyment that the rest of the world seems to just… disappear for a while. People find their flow in different ways, some examples include: gaming, drawing/doodling, composing music, reading, writing and cooking.
If you’re isolating with others, spend quality time together
When it comes to hanging out with people, always opt for quality over quantity. It’s important to have you own space and time alone if you’re isolating with others, but also important to spend quality time together. A few social activities you could suggest include: games night, an online quiz, watching a new boxset or movie or working together on a new project. Once things start to get repetitive or tense, take that as your cue to have some alone time.
Keep your mind active
Whether it’s learning the guitar or becoming a master of Illustrator, now is literally the best time to start learning a new skill or develop the side hustle you’ve been thinking about. If you’re old enough to work and aren’t currently able to, why not consider volunteering for a charity? Find out ways to get involved with Ditch the Label here!
Meet people in other ways
Start a new blog on Tumblr, join an online game or reach out to others on your favourite social network. The internet is an amazing tool to connect with others, especially when you’re battling isolation. Some of our favourite platforms right now include: Tumblr, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Meetup and The Sims Online.
If you’re isolating away from friends and family – try and get a FaceTime/Houseparty in
It’s normal to feel left out while you navigate this period of time at home by yourself. Be proactive about staying in touch with everyone. Hit up the group chat for updates on their lives or just spam them with GIFs and memes. Set up a FaceTime with your best mate so you feel connected, or reconnect with someone who might have fallen off your radar lately.
Make a plan
Use this time to get organised for when lockdown is over and make some plans. Whether it’s for your group holiday next year, where you want to move to in a few years or even just ways you want to make changes in your life, this is a great time to think about the future. We know that when you feel lonely, it’s really easy to get caught up in how rubbish everything is now, but thinking about what lies ahead can give you hope for pulling out of your loneliness. Plus, some of these plans will almost definitely involve getting out and hanging out with people at some point, and that’s definitely something positive to focus on.
If all else fails, download The Sims
For real though. Like seriously, give it a go. If you’re feeling especially nostalgic, how about The Sims 2 or HABBO?
Remember, loneliness doesn’t last forever
Feeling lonely can be all consuming, and it can make you feel like this situation is going to last forever. The thing is, it absolutely isn’t – it’s temporary and we will all get back to our connections, routines and structures soon.
Need someone to talk to? You can speak to one of our trained Digital Mentors in confidence here.
