How to combat loneliness when you are practicing social distancing?

           Having a pandemic taking over the world right now, many countries are going into lockdowns or at least implementing movement restriction order to stop the virus from spreading like a wildfire. From an almost World War 3 to Australian Bushfires, 2020 has not been any short of surprises. Citizens are being obliged to practice social distancing and self-quarantine themselves. According to BBC, social distancing is basically not coming into contact with other people unless you really need to. In the case of there being an absolute necessity to meet others, it is advised to at least maintain a distance of 2 meters from each other. As everyone is encouraged to practice social distancing, it is utmost important for elderly people, people with physical health issues and pregnant ladies to exercise it. The purpose of it is to reduce our contact with others which drastically reduces the probability of us getting infected by the virus.

           As much as social distancing sounds like one of the best ways to protect ourselves other than regularly washing our hands and wearing masks, it does have the power to take a toll on our mental health in the process especially if you’re someone who is living alone. We, humans, are social animals. Thus, restricting an important aspect of our lives can be very distressful and this distress comes in a package with loneliness. It’s important to understand that not everyone alone at the moment suffers from loneliness. Loneliness is more of a state of mind than situational. For instance, even if you’re physically present in a place where you’re surrounded by hundreds of people, you can still feel lonely. It makes people feel unloved, unwanted, empty and further isolates them. With social distancing being widely practised, it’s even easier for loneliness to creep into our lives. But bear in mind that all hope is not lost and we can still combat loneliness.

Step 1: You always have an online platform

           Don’t put an end to your social lives due to social distancing. We always have numerous online platforms connecting us from all over the planet. This is the most advance human race has been in terms of technology, so make the best out of it. Don’t miss out on that dinner date with your best friend. Put on your nicest outfit, cook the healthiest dinner and make that video call. Although it might not be exactly what it’d be like dining in a restaurant and being physically present, it’s important to focus on having the opportunity to connect with your loved ones although it’s only virtual. Also, consider making your social events to level up into online social events such as book clubs and meditation groups through video calls. Not only it satisfies the human connection that you need and occupies your time, but it also provides a chance to support each other during this crisis. Remember, you might not be the only one feeling like the loneliness getting the better of you. 

Step 2: Fictional companion

           Remember how it feels like to finish a good book and not being able to move on because you’ve developed some care and love towards the fictional characters? Well, this is the best time to develop a fictional crush. With social distancing bringing our companions far away and all the news becoming more worrying and overwhelming, now might be the time for a little distraction from the reality. There’s nothing wrong indulging yourself in movies, series and books that opens up a portal to another world. It can be psychologically benefitting as it might help you to feel less lonely by providing a sense of belonging to the fictional characters. We all wanted to become wizards and witches after watching Harry Potter and badly wanted Harry to survive and defeat ‘You-Know-Who’. We were also happy how he got his happily ever after with ‘someone’ after everything he’d been through (no spoilers). But just be careful to not overdo it as we all still have responsibilities to fulfil.

Step 3: Me time

           As previously stated, loneliness is a state of mind. Thus, a little switch in the perspective of how we see social distancing can deeply help. Instead of seeing it as an obstacle that severe your connection to others, see it as an opportunity for forming a deeper connection with yourself. Everything has been so hectic and crazy, we sort of lost touch with things that really mattered. Now consider this as an opportunity from the Universe for you to slow down and experience life as it is. Use this time to read the books you’ve been wanting to read for the longest time ever but you never had the chance to. Use this time to journal about why you still hurt from a heartbreak that happened years ago. Use this time to meditate to develop some inner stillness and peace. Don’t pressure yourself with productivity as if you’re no good if you stopped producing things. Instead, do things not to be productive but for the joy, you might derive from it, even if they’re the littlest of things. Destroy the notion that you need to be good at something to do it. Make art, write poems and sing out loud for the sake of the pleasure you get from it and the freedom you will feel.

           This pandemic truly does have everyone feeling lonelier than ever before and overwhelmed. However, connecting through online platforms, finding a fictional companion and spending time with yourself can help a lot in times like this. As much as you’re practising social distancing to protect yourself, don’t forget to be kind and do good. Check on your loved ones and get to know how they’re doing, mentally. Check on your elderly neighbours and financially struggling relatives if they have everything they need and provide help in any way possible within your capacity. This is the time for selflessness. ALSO DON’T PANIC BUY!