5 Ways To Overcome Loneliness

Combatting Loneliness From Anywhere

Loneliness can be sometimes indescribable. You may even ask yourself at times why do I feel so lonely? It will cause you to evaluate the people in your life and to look inwardly at yourself as if you are the problem. Sometimes you will feel as if you are the only lonely person in the world. However, according to Statista, a global survey was conducted and it was founded that 33 percent of adults experience feelings of loneliness worldwide.

Personal Experience of Loneliness

When the pandemic first started, I would say that I was managing okay despite everything that was going on in the world. I started working from home and would see my coworker via team meetings online. I started working on my cooking skill and experimenting with new cooking recipes. It felt like the world came to a complete stop and all of a sudden we no longer had a social life.

It's not a secret that the pandemic caused many to feel isolated especially single people and the elderly. The isolation started to get to me in the summer of 2020. I was so tired of being home alone every day with no one to converse with. I missed my family but was too afraid to travel anywhere. I wanted to get out and travel somewhere fun. I wanted to be anywhere but home.

Fast forward to May 2022, and I had to make some drastic changes. I had been isolated since 2020. During the pandemic, I lost a close family member and had to fly in for the funeral. It was the first time in a while that I was surrounded by people. It felt good to socialize and be around my loved ones. However, the effects of isolation during the pandemic could be still felt. It left me riddled with anxiety and depression. I found it hard to be positive and upbeat like my normal self. On top of anxiety and depression, I was also dealing with grief from my loss. But now I will list 5 ways that are helping me to overcome my loneliness. This list may help someone who is single like me.

5 Ways to Combat Loneliness

1- If possible move to a city that has a lot to offer as far as activities.

2- Join a group of other people that have the same interests as you

3- Move back in with family or find a roommate

4- Get a pet

5- Find a hobby such as learning a new language or painting

Change is Good

This list is just some suggestions and can be changed to fit your needs. Maybe you don’t have family or don't want roommates. This is okay and there are many other ways to combat loneliness. Places are starting to open up now since some of the restrictions due to the pandemic have been removed. Maybe now we all can start to rebuild our life. The pandemic has robbed so much of us.

I decided for myself to move back to NYC where I can be surrounded by family. Also, I can rebuild a social life for myself in NYC. I felt so isolated in Florida. While I love the weather, I just could not stand being so alone anymore. NYC will not be a permanent stop for me but it will help me to reset and to rebuild what was lost due to the pandemic. Now I feel more positive and I take advantage of being able to go anywhere in NYC. I can walk outside my door and just feel the joys of being in a vibrant city.