Is Social Distancing Making Loneliness Worse? – 3 Ways to Feel Better

1. Cozy Up

While it may seem out of season to talk about getting cozy during summer (instead of the chilly winter), it still has many benefits. Finding soothing, cozy activities can create a sense of well-being and relaxation that will help battle the effects of social isolation.

Read

Reading is at the top of many cozy lists. It has many gifts to give. Fiction or memoir can pull you into the fascinating worlds and personalities of other people, offering relief from loneliness and boredom.

Reading also stimulates your brain and helps you engage in something beyond your circumstances. You can feel entertained, educated, and so much more through a good book.

Get Creative

Creative activities also fit neatly into the pursuit of coziness. Like reading, engaging in favorite or new hobbies offers the brain a chance to disengage from stressors. You may find a sense of purpose and reward from making something with your hands.

Small Comforts

Researchers have found that there is a real benefit to small comforts. Soothing rituals such as curling up with a fluffy blanket, taking a hot bath, or eating comfort food can trigger reassuring emotions and memories. Such steps offer relief from feelings of depression.

2. Stay in Touch

This approach is likely an obvious step to take, but it’s easy to forget to do. Social distancing can pull us into our own little worlds without us even realizing it. You can be intentional about trying to maintain contact with others.

Join Social Media Groups

If you’re feeling lonely and as though you don’t have enough people to reach out to in real life, connections can often be forged online. Many social media groups exist for people with similar interests. They can be a great place to interact and get advice.

Texts and Messaging

Even short messages just to say hi or to check in on friends, family, and acquaintances can mean a lot to somebody. The social isolation caused by the pandemic is the perfect excuse to reach out to someone you may not usually contact.

Find a Good Cause

Reaching out to ask others if you can help with anything during the pandemic can help battle your loneliness. If you’re going shopping, perhaps an elderly neighbor or frazzled mom would love it if you grabbed an item from their list. Letting others know you’re thinking of them boosts their mood and yours.

3. Telehealth Counseling

If you feel stuck and overwhelmed by loneliness, reaching out to a counselor is another good step. Loneliness can be a sign of depression, and the two can feed off of each other. Receiving treatment for depression can go a long way in helping you combat loneliness.

A therapist can help you identify underlying factors that may contribute to loneliness (beyond the pandemic). As you identify causes for your depression, your counselor will help you build an action plan for moving forward.

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In my practice, I specialize in working with those who suffer from depression and loneliness. I offer counseling sessions via video during the current pandemic. They’re proven as effective as in-person sessions.

I’ve helped many individuals on their way to emotional healing. Please call my office today or visit my page on depression counseling if you’d like to know more.