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Sometimes it gets lonely

They say living alone is great, but sometimes it gets lonely. Weekends at home alone can feel depressing, like nobody would even notice if I disappeared...

These feelings are normal. Today, I'll share how to maintain good mental health while living alone.

1. Create Daily Routines

Why It Matters

  • Regular routines help mental health
  • Easy to lose structure when alone
  • Small accomplishments boost mood

Recommended Routines

  • Morning: Wake up at consistent time
  • Exercise: Even brief movement helps
  • Meals: Eat properly, even if simple
  • Night: Put phone down before bed

2. Stay Connected

Human Connection

  • Call family once a week
  • Meet friends regularly
  • Real conversation beats social media

Online Communities

  • Interest-based groups
  • Hobby clubs
  • Can be helpful when used moderately

Complete isolation isn't good. Feeling connected to someone matters.

3. Enjoy Alone Time

Mindset Shift

  • Alone ≠ lonely
  • View solo time as "me time"
  • Lots of things you can enjoy solo

Solo-Friendly Activities

  • Binge-watching shows
  • Solo restaurant visits
  • Reading
  • Gaming
  • Learning new hobbies
  • Walking

4. Coping When Feeling Down

Mild Cases

  • Get outside (even just to a store)
  • Get some sunlight
  • Listen to favorite music
  • Take a warm shower
  • Reach out to a friend

When It's Serious

  • Don't try to handle it alone
  • Open up to someone close
  • Seek professional counseling
  • See a doctor if needed

If feeling down lasts more than 2 weeks, seek professional help. There's no shame in it.

5. Stress Relief

Healthy Methods

  • Exercise: Most effective
  • Writing: Journaling emotions
  • Hobbies: Something to immerse in
  • Sleep: Get enough rest

What to Avoid

  • Excessive drinking
  • Binge eating
  • All-night phone scrolling
  • Suppressing emotions

6. Environment Management

Home Environment

  • Keep it tidy (mess affects mood)
  • Ventilate often
  • Let sunlight in
  • Decorate with things you love

Digital Environment

  • Reduce depressing content
  • Limit comparison-inducing social media
  • Phone away before sleep

7. Checklist

Daily

  • ☐ Wake up at consistent time
  • ☐ Eat proper meals
  • ☐ Get outside briefly

Weekly

  • ☐ Contact family/friends
  • ☐ Do something you enjoy
  • ☐ Check in with your emotions

Wrap-up

Living alone doesn't mean handling everything alone. It's okay to ask for help when you're struggling. That's completely normal.

Next up, we'll cover pet considerations. Thinking about getting a pet because you're lonely?

※ This article is based on personal experience. Please consult a professional for serious depression.

🏠 Living Alone Guide Series