There are certain times when we choose to be in solitude for personal reasons. It could be obtaining emotional oxygen while refueling our mental tank. Yet, there are moments when being alone can’t be nourishing. During those times, we must decide how to respond to minor disruptions. Do you get lonely during your everyday mundane life tasks? As you operate your day to day business you may experience limited human interactions. Spending time in lockdown leaves us more isolated than ever before, and social media has a double-edged sword. Scrolling through Facebook or Tik Tok feeds is not allowing you to connect in a more meaningful way. Oftentimes, it leads to keeping “busy”, but doesn’t create true connections or fulfills our emotional well-being. How do you defeat these lockdown loneliness?
Tackle Short Term Isolation
Here is one solution to tackle the lockdown phase of loneliness. Don’t disengage yourself from the world. I understand the feeling of crawling alone in the wilderness or feeling constant rejection. Those are some of the painful experiences individuals have to face, but it’s vital to manage your emotional wounds by acknowledging your inner well-being. Once you’ve mastered self-awareness of your emotional well-being, setup virtual meet-ups with steady personal connections. The influence of virtual platforms is a great way to connect more intentionally. Scrolling through the newsfeed lacks the connection that comes from video conversations and virtual meetings.
Even in the non-virtual world, as you are taking nature walk breaks, how about interacting with a newcomer at arm’s-length and striking up a conversation. You could say things like, “How are you feeling? You don’t have to feel alone.” This creates a harmless space for human social connections and recognizes your emotional health.
Human suffering, such as loneliness, is motivation to awaken your mind and ease your way to be present. When an unexpected turn of events occurs, take action, and intensify your presence. Combat loneliness and respond to your internal struggles with thoughts and reflections.
***Assess your own level of need for social interaction. There is no concern if you are comfortable with living in solitude, and are a functioning person who doesn’t feel lonely or depressed.**
Sandy set up a virtual meetup
