If we can all agree on one thing during 2020, and thats how over this pandemic we are. The whole of 2020 has been filled with separation from our loved ones, negative news and so many other difficult situations. I often remind myself of the good that has come from this year when I feel like I’m on a downward spiral in my own thoughts. It’s not hard for us to feel lonely this year, even if you have been locked in your home with other people.
I’ve often battled loneliness during this pandemic and I live with my parents. The lack of social interaction from my peers and the lack of leaving the house can make anyone feel down. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for people who live alone at this time, it must be so difficult. It’s important that we do various things to stop this feeling, and in todays post I hope to share some tips that I’ve been doing to help battle the feeling of loneliness.
TAKE STEPS TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS
This might sound like an obvious point but it’s something I often forget to do. During this pandemic it’s given us alot of time of reflection, and it’s given us alot of thinking time. It’s easy to start pointing fingers and saying that none of your friends have checked up on you, but have you checked up on them too? Friendships/relationships are a two way street. If you’re feeling lonely, reach out with your friends and make plans with them. They don’t even need to be in person plans, they could be scheduling movie dates via FaceTime or planning a group zoom quiz. Don’t wait around for others to come to you.
Alot of the time people don’t intentionally lose contact with you. Remember there are so many other things going on in this world. You never know that they might be struggling with loneliness too.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Sleep is one of the most important things we need for our minds and bodies. Making sure you get a good deep sleep overnight is vital for improving your mood. Alot of the time feelings of loneliness arise due to our moods. When we are in a bad place, we often sit and dwell on the various things that are bad in our lives. This may lead us to believe we are lonely when as a matter of fact, we aren’t. Feelings of loneliness usually come in waves, and sleep deprivation has a big effect on those feelings.
If you are struggling to sleep there are many things you can do to help to reduce the issue. Try essential oils, lavender in particular. Diffusing lavender or applying safe for skin lavender oil on your temples and neck can really help with sleep. Avoid using electric devices at least an hour before sleep. Reading before sleep really helps too.
FIND SOMETHING TO FOCUS ON
Having a hobby or something you’re passionate about can really help to focus your mind. Alot of feeling lonely is a battle of the mind, and its all about making sure your mind doesn’t get to that place. One of the reasons why I re-started this blog was to find a purpose and a hobby during the Pandemic. It’s helped me so much over the past few months, and it’s really helped me to feel focused. One of the great things about blogging is the interaction with others, and thats helped me feel less alone.
REACH OUT
It’s okay and normal to admit that you’re struggling. I know this pandemic has had an effect on so many peoples mental health, and I’m sure it will continue to for a while afterwards too. It’s hard to believe we have been dealing with this virus for almost a year, the time has gone fast but slow at the same time. Please always reach out to someone if you feel as though you can’t cope. The feeling of loneliness can have such an impact on our confidence and our mental state. It’s okay to admit you aren’t coping well, it doesn’t mean you are not strong and you should never feel embarrassed about it.
How has this pandemic affected you? What kind of effect has it had on your mental health?
If you don’t feel like you have anyone you can reach out to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to talk with you and try to help in any way I can. There is always someone out there who will listen, you are not alone.
Olivia x
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This will for sure help a lot of people! Hopefully, this post will give people that extra push to take care of themselves when they feel lonely.
I hope so! It can be hard at any time of the year for some to feel lonely! So i hope this helps!
I’m sure it will! This post was needed, i’m glad you posted about it.
Thank you🤗 i’m glad I did too!
I faced this Pandemic with my family so I have them in my ups and downs.
I could not connect much socially or hanging out outside.
I am lucky to have a family who supports me always.
Yes🤍 having family during this time is a blessing in itself
True Olivia 🙂
I actually love being alone! I find it relaxing and it gives me focus. I’m very busy too so I always have something to do.
I do too mostly! But i think it takes it toll after a while!
Thank you 🤣 I always have trouble with those words. Just changed it!
“Loneliness was present long before COVID-19
meaning Loneliness comprise
human beings don’t want to be forgotten
and a woman and man must be together
loving each other with intimacy.”
_-Van Prince
I agree, loneliness has been a pandemic of the world for years bow
Your response is really and truly creative=Look at You with all your God endowed talent!
I think this is a very useful and important blog post. I particularly liked how you talked about reaching out to others. Especially at a time like this, people should be understanding when you open up to them saying “I’m not feeling great atm”. I also think we should make sure that we are understanding and empathetic to other peoples struggles and unique battles that they are facing
I agree! It doesn’t take much to reach out
To one another to make sure that you’re okay!
this blogpost is very useful and heartwarming 🙂 Thanks a lot for the tips.. I guess I’m not the only one struggling in life with all of the things that happened recently and all of your sayings were true which what I mean by concluding the blogpost that we need to survive during these hard times. We can always keep supporting each other through messages, virtual meetings, presents, etc..
I’m so glad 🤍 Nope, you aren’t. Theres so many of us that are going through something similar. We’re all in this together!
Yeah true! Keep writing an inspiring and encouraging blogpost..
I think a lot of people needed this post✨✨Loneliness is something we have all struggled with this year. People from all ages.
But reaching out to someone if you need to talk or just go ask someone if they are ok, and finding something to focus on really helps. Xx
I think a-lot of people did too! Even more so this year than any other. We have this disconnect that we haven’t ever had before ! Thanks for reading xx
Olivia thanks for sharing this, surely this will help others.
I really hope it does 🤗
This pandemic has resulted in ups and downs when it comes to my mental health. I have been lucky enough to live and be quarantined with my love, but being with each other 24/7 for such and extended period of time and having close to no real-life contract to the outside world and our friends and family was a challenge for a period of time. We had a lot of growing to do. Nevertheless, I am grateful that I get to quarantine with him.
I love how you have shared the other side to loneliness, the side of actually having to be stuck with people for an extended amount of time. Both are hard!
We must count our blessings amongst this time!
This blog has really helped me a lot… very well written Olivia… keep it up… lots of love… 😊
I’m so glad Jay! Thanks for reading!
Great ideas! It’s very important to keep in touch with people while you were quarantined.
Yes! It is! Although it can be difficult i think its important!
Very informative post.. Thanks Olivia for it..
This is solid and good advice. As always, thank you Olivia.
Thank you so much for reading! ☺️
There is always someone out there who will listen, you are not alone..
Very helpful message to us day..thanks for spreading happiness.. beautiful thoughts.💝💝
As usual a very valuable post. I think there’s a lot to take from it. Loneliness is hard and it’s probably the first time many have really encountered it and may feel lost.
I reach out to people as often as i can. Usually if someone is on my mind my spirit tells me to reach out just to see they’re okay. Sleep is a struggle I have good and bad days.
Blogging and focusing on writing and other pursuits outside of work and studying definitely helps. Great post Olivia
I really like that you focused on being the one to reach out. It is sooo easy to isolate yourself without even realizing it and then get hurt when others aren’t checking up on you because they’re probably doing the same thing!
Its so easy to shift the blame onto someone else isnt it? I think we forget that when were struggling we are responsible for getting help or speaking to someone. Its not up to everyone else to be mind readers!
Oh my god, I love your blog. You said something that related to me. It’s always a two way street when having friends and relationships and people don’t understand that. I recently lost my job during this pandemic because of personal reasons but it was kind of my fault. I lost it in a bad time. But, I recently just got another job so fast. I’ve been working on my YouTube channel as a hobby but, I actually want to turn this into a career. If you don’t mind checking it out and giving feedback and maybe subscribing. I would appreciate it. Maybe this could motivate you.
https://youtu.be/SgwnCsWncTM
Thank you! So glad you liked it!
So sorry to hear that you lost your job, i wish you all the best in your youtube journey!
It isn’t a cure, but meditation, when practiced for long enough, gives you perspective and a contented ness that will can help you through tough times.