Coping with loneliness during Coronavirus
The Covid-19 pandemic has made it much harder to be with others. Social contact with family and friends continues to be limited with restrictions in place on our social and leisure activities, which can cause or exacerbate feelings of loneliness – especially if you are staying at home.
You may be missing your family, friends and work colleagues, and it is completely normal to feel like this. It’s really important to remember that these restrictions to our lives will not be forever, and as guidance changes, social activities and seeing others will become easier and more enjoyable.
If you are feeling lonely at the moment, the following tips could help. Give them a try and find what suits you and don’t hesitate to seek further support if necessary.
1. Explore other ways to connect with others
Even if you are staying at home, you can still spend time with others. There are lots of different ways to socialise with friends and family without having to meet in person. Chatting on the phone, video-calling and using social media can remind you you’re not alone.
2. Be more social and check in with others regularly
Make it routine to check in with others, it can make it easier to reach out in times you feel lonely. You could message old friends or colleagues on social media or text someone you haven’t spoken to for a while.
3. Share your feelings with others
Being able to share your feelings with others can help with loneliness and hearing a familiar voice or seeing a friendly face makes us feel less isolated. Telling someone you trust that you're feeling lonely can help, and it may be easier to do this when you have had some time to chat and relax together first. Remember that many people may only share the good things happening to them on social media, so avoid comparing yourself to anyone, as this can make you feel lonelier. Plus, we can never be sure of what someone else is going through.
4. Spend more time doing things you enjoy
Spending your spare time doing more things you enjoy can stop you from focusing on your feelings of loneliness and is good for your mental and physical wellbeing. When you’re at home, podcasts, radio shows and audiobooks are a good way to occupy your mind and keep you company. Exercise can also lift your mood and help take your mind of things, so perhaps try going for a walk outdoors and make it part of your daily routine.
5. Keep yourself occupied by learning something new
Now is a good time to pursue something new or try something you have always wanted to. If you enjoy learning with others there are many online classes for arts and crafts, cookery, music or learning and new language. And if its new work skills you want to gain, there are plenty of free online professional courses available.