you are viewing a single comment's thread.

view the rest of the comments →

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I think you describe something here that has been a serious problem for people during COVID19 lockdowns. I often have some of these problems with I leave town and have to work alone. The online community is not sufficient for this kind of support, though I know others who use Facebook and other social media to refer to everything they do during the day. That's a self-affirmation exercise that would depress me if I tried it. It's an interesting problem that an over-populated world has more lonely people than ever. In my view, one's connection to a community is the most important civic activity. The "modern" world began in coffee shops in the mid-17th century, some people have appropriately argued, because this developed in the community conversations about our lives and the world. When I am in other cities, working alone, I like to go to places were there are people, visit city centers and shopping areas or malls, arrange meetings, head to sports bars to watch games, visit cigar lounges in places that have them, talk to strangers in pubs, arrange long walks public parks and rural parks, &c. The walks are also important and theraputic. I avoid drinking alcohol as much as possible, because it can cause depression the next day if one is alone. Otherwise, no more than 2 glasses or shots. Eating will help, but I understand and appreciate the lack of appetite. Also vary your activities as much as possible, arranging different tasks. This also helps cognitively in the short and long term (reducing risks of dementia &c). Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep/day, which can be difficult for many who are alone. (Those who tend to get only 5 hours of sleep develop various problems, including the likelihood of dementia.) Join a club or a group in your local area or nearby. Hope this helps.

[–]StillLessons 4 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 0 fun5 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I like to go to places were there are people

I spent a time after a divorce when I was alone for weeks at a time, and this technique is helpful. It doesn't matter whether you know anyone or not. Just being among humans lessens the isolation.

Let whims become activities. If you get a sense of ice cream, hell, go to the ice cream shop; make that "an activity". Before you know it, another day is passed...