Living Alone Guide Part 18: Dealing with Loneliness
It's Okay, Everyone Feels This
Living Alone Gets Lonely Sometimes
They say it's freeing and comfortable, but sometimes you have no one to talk to, weekends alone feel empty... These feelings are normal. Everyone experiences them.
1. When Loneliness Hits
- Weekends alone at home
- Holidays when you can't go home
- When you're sick
- Good news but no one to share it with
- Late nights when you can't sleep
- Seeing others' gatherings on social media
Loneliness isn't something to be ashamed of. It's a natural human emotion.
2. Quick Fixes for Temporary Loneliness
Do Right Now
- Go outside: Even to a store, cafe, or just a walk
- Reach out: Call family or a friend
- Video chat: Seeing faces makes a difference
- Online communities: Connect even if it's virtual
Mood Boosters
- Blast your favorite music
- Order something delicious
- Watch a movie or show
- Take a warm shower
- Move your body (stretch, walk)
3. Preventing Loneliness Daily
Maintain Connections
- Regular calls to family
- Monthly meetups with friends
- Join clubs or groups
- Regular activities like exercise classes
Solo Routines
- Regular schedule (routines provide stability)
- Hobbies (something you can get absorbed in)
- Exercise habits (endorphin effect)
- Set small goals and achieve them
4. Enjoying Time Alone
Change Your Perspective
- Alone ≠ lonely
- Solo time = free time
- Peace with no interruptions
Solo Activities
- Solo restaurant visits
- Going to movies alone
- Solo trips
- Reading at a cafe
- Self-improvement/studying
Learning to enjoy time alone reduces loneliness.
5. Warning Signs
When to Seek Help
- When loneliness turns to depression
- Feeling down for more than 2 weeks
- No motivation to do anything
- Thoughts of self-harm
Resources
- National Suicide Prevention: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Local mental health centers (often free)
6. What Not to Do
- Drinking to cope: Temporary, makes depression worse
- Social media obsession: Comparison makes you lonelier
- Suffering alone: You need to talk to release
- Toxic relationships: Bad connections are worse than none
7. Checklists
When Feeling Lonely
- ☐ Reach out to someone
- ☐ Go outside
- ☐ Do something you enjoy
Regular Habits
- ☐ Meet people regularly
- ☐ Maintain hobbies/exercise
- ☐ Practice enjoying alone time
Wrap-up
Loneliness is a natural feeling that everyone living alone experiences. Don't beat yourself up—find what works for you. And if it gets really hard, please ask for help.
Next up, we'll cover emergency situations. What if there's a sudden leak or power outage?
※ This article is based on personal experience. Please consult a professional for serious depression.
🏠 Living Alone Guide Series
- Part 17: Interior Decorating
- Part 18: Dealing with Loneliness (Current)
- Part 19: Emergency Situations