Covid Awareness

Overcoming loneliness during COVID-19

With the rise in the cases of COVID-19, people are requested to avoid social gatherings and maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. India, being a collectivistic country emphasize on the desires and the needs of other over themselves. People often try to interact and engage with others. But due to the current conditions, people are asked to stay safe at home and to lower their contact with others. Self-isolation has a major impact on the daily ongoing activities of the people. Social gatherings are also prohibited. People have gained a new experience of online classes, work from home, online workshops because of the pandemic.

Limiting our contact with other can have a major impact on one’s mental state and emotional well- being. Indians often engage themselves by interacting with others but due to this condition their interactions are restricted therefore, leading to increase in feelings of loneliness among people. People are feeling that their relations are not satisfying their social and emotional needs. They often feel disconnected even in the presence of others. Social distancing is a challenge for humans because since birth  humans are social beings. Loneliness is the gap between what emotional and social needs people want from others and what they are receiving in real. Loneliness can lead to anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and stress among people.

Physical contact like hugs, handshakes cannot be replaced by the use of smartphones or the use of internet. But we can use them as the alternatives to connect with others keeping the current situation in mind. While, even being surrounded by others we may feel lonely. We may not feel connected with others because of several thoughts within our mind. To reduce this loneliness one need to adapt different ways to connect with others and to engage themselves with differing activities.

There are several ways that can help you in coping with loneliness:

1.The key to cope with loneliness is to stay connected with your friends and family members. One can stay in touch through the use of phone calls, video calls, WhatsApp, Zoom, skype and google meet, etc.

2.Several online games like Ludo, carom, cards, house party and tombola are the good means through which people can spend their time with others. These means provide you the way to understand that you are not alone, people are present with you and for you.

Lockdown has provided the opportunity to the people to spend their time with the family members. Because of hectic schedules people were not able to spend their time with kids and parents.

3. Instead of spending time alone plan several activities with family members. Watch movies, web series, can play games and can engage in healthy talk with the family members. Help your family members with household chores or with their job related tasks. Communicate with the elderly members of the family or your neighbors while maintaining the distance.

4. Use this time more productively - focus on the things you wanted to do since a long time but wasn’t able to do so because of the busy schedule. This is the correct time to complete all your task in your to-do list.

5.Focus on personal development by learning new skills like gardening, cooking, painting, or reading. You can engage yourself by joining some good courses that helps you to enhance your knowledge. You can also join some workshops like workshops on managing your emotions, managing your anger issues.

6.You can learn something new like how to solve Rubik’s cube or how to use the laptop or professional camera. Set up a daily routine for yourself, form a schedule to make your every day productive.

But sometime people engage themselves in several tasks and therefore overburden themselves. We need to understand that feeling anxious and stressed during this time is normal.

7. You can cope with this anxiety and stress by meditating, exercising and practicing yoga. This can improve your mental as well as physical health.

8.One of the most important things is to limit your focus on news related to COVID-19 which can have a negative impact on your mental health. Focus on good and positive news.

9.Help others during this time by making significant contributions in the society like making masks or giving food to the needy people or street dogs. Helping others make you feel happy and satisfied as well.

10. Show your love and respect for god. He is always their for you, whether it is your tough time or your good time. It will give you positivity and will make you realize you are not alone.

11.Loneliness is not lack of company, its lack of purpose. Find a purpose for yourself and make yourself happy.

Lastly, you are never alone just stay connected with others, engage yourself with some good and interesting stuff. As nothing lasts long, this time will also pass quickly. The key to stay positive during this time is to make yourself happy and love yourself