COVID Isolation
COVID has changed many things in our lives. Before COVID, Friday plans meant going out with friends in the evening, talking over ideas for weekend activities, or hosting big gatherings; since COVID, Friday's plan is to stay home, just like any other day. With our routines disrupted, we may feel lonelier and more isolated than usual because we're staying home on Fridays and Saturdays, the days we used to set aside for fun and for shaking off a long week. Whether the cause is COVID isolation or something else, we found a few suggestions that might ease this feeling a little and wanted to share them with you.
1. Don't Blame Yourself: Blaming yourself for feeling lonely will only make you feel worse. Many factors in life may have come together to make you feel this way, but none of them is your fault.
2. Reach Out to Your Friends More: You can message a friend you love who can support you. At this point, thoughts may cross your mind that it won't help, or that the person you're thinking of calling won't listen to you. Don't listen to those thoughts.
3. Take Up a Hobby: Your hobby doesn't need to be difficult or overly demanding. You can relax by using your creativity with watercolours or knitting. Creating something feels good.
4. Create Your Own Fun: Put on a song you love and sing along with the artist. If that's not really your thing, put on some upbeat music and dance, enjoying your time alone without worrying about anyone watching.
5. Help Someone in Need: Helping others, even through social media, shifts our focus from ourselves to others. Calling people you think might be feeling lonely or overwhelmed and asking how they're doing also makes both you and the person you call feel good.
6. Remind Yourself That Your Feelings Are Temporary: Running away from uncomfortable feelings won't free you from them. When you accept the feelings that bother you, you may find that after a while they lose their hold on you.
If you're missing the busy Fridays of pre-COVID days, or feeling lonely for any other reason, we hope we've offered some ideas that can ease that feeling. Have a good weekend!
Duygu ÇANKAYA ÇADIRCIOĞLU, Psychotherapist
