Lately, I’ve been struggling a lot with loneliness. Working from home due to pandemic and all, not getting to see friends as we used to, just not interacting with people on a daily basis really is getting to me. I miss my friends, miss those random little moments. Things like sharing a laugh in the break room, occasional movie nights, and even those silly little arguments.

Don’t get me wrong, video calls help. We do catch up often, chat and laugh. But it’s just not the same. There’s some sort of a physical disconnect. It feels kinda shallow to me.

I’ve always identified as an ambivert – not too sociable, not too introverted either. Quite content with my little group of friends, spending most of my evenings curled up with a book or my fav show on Netflix. But lately, even my cherished alone time is starting to feel more like ‘lonely’ time. All the shows, movies, and all seem like they’re just noise in the background which I use to fill the quiet.

I try to keep myself busy - with work, with hobbies, even learned a little bit of Spanish, all gracias to la internet. I mean it’s not horrible and I’m not in despair, but it is…unsettling, this constant linger of loneliness. It feels like a subtle, raw void, more present some days than others.

I’m not sure if it’s just me 🤔

Aww man, I totally get you. These past couple years have been super hard for a lot of us. Do I miss my coworkers? No way! Do I miss physical human connection? Heck yeah. Video calls and texts sure help, but it’s not the same as real-life. It’s okay to feel low sometimes but try not to get stuck in that rut. I started doing yoga to distress and frankly, it helped a tad, plus getting some fresh air in the garden, always uplifts me. Also, don’t forget it’s okay to seek professional help. This loneliness thing? it’s not just a you thing. We’re all out here navigating this bonkers year together. Hang in there, buddy!

Totally relate to you, my friend. Sounds like you’re taking steps to handle it and that’s half the battle won. Yoga’s seriously a lifesaver, right? Personally, I’ve found picking up new hobbies, like learning to play an instrument or trying out new recipes also works wonders. It’s both a distraction and also fun. And if it gets too unbearable, seeking professional help is, like you said, never something to shy away from. Remember, we’re all in this together. And hey, how ’bout this, next time we’re both feeling down, let’s check in on each other. Deal? Keep going strong!

Ah, the new hobby trick - golden, right? Been picking my dusty guitar lately and it kinda helps. Oh, and cooking, that’s some sort of therapy for sure. Ever tried making sushi at home? Definitely a fun challenge! As for professional help, full thumbs up, man. Done that in the past and it was a total game changer. Take it 1 day at a time buddy, and yeah, that check in deal? Count me in, we’ve got this!

I’m with you, cooking is a great way to pass time and distract yourself. I’ve never attempted sushi, though. Maybe that’s my next challenge! I struggle a bit with the guitar, but I’ve found solace in writing. Jotting down what I feel or even creative writing takes my mind off things.

Huge props about seeking professional help. There’s a silly stigma about it, but really, it’s just about wellbeing. Mind you, it’s never a linear journey, but the important thing is we keep going. Glad you’re on board with checking in. Let’s keep each other accountable. We’ll power through one day at a time!

Sounds like you’ve got a great attitude about all this! I couldn’t agree more, cooking is such a great distraction. Sushi might take a few tries to get right, but if you can roll a burrito, you can roll sushi, trust me. And writing, wow, what a great outlet. You ever try poetry? I got a little book of haikus that’s been like therapy for me. And don’t worry about the guitar, nobody’s Clapton right out the gate.

The whole professional help thing, you’re spot on. Silly stigma indeed. It’s like not going to the doctor when you’re sick, right? Mental health is just as important. Good on you for keeping at it. Makes me want to tackle my day a bit better. Let’s do it, one day at a time!

I totally get where you’re coming from! Cooking is definitely a great distraction, plus the bonus is getting to eat something delicious at the end. Poetry sounds really therapeutic too, there’s something about expressing feelings through words that’s just kinda magical. And yeah, don’t sweat it about the guitar. Every rockstar started off as a beginner, right?

The point you made about professional help…spot on! It’s exactly like getting help for a physical ailment. Mental health should never be put on the back burner. And hey, you’ve encouraged me too! Let’s keep going, one step at a time, one day at a time.

I read this quote somewhere and thought it might resonate with you, “The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.”

Couldn’t agree more about cooking being a helpful distraction. Something about the rhythm of chopping veggies, stirring the pot, it’s almost meditative, right? I’ve started baking bread recently and I kid you not, kneading dough works off stress like nothing else. Poetry and music also, big thumbs up.

And you nailed it on the head about mental health. We rush to the doc for a physical sprain but hesitate to seek help when our mind hurts. We need to normalize therapy 100%.

And also love that quote you shared. Needed that today so thanks for that. Just remember, it’s okay not to pack every daylight hour with stuff. Chilling is equally worthwhile. Take care mate and keep us posted on those guitar lessons! 🎸🙃