The rise in the number of Covid-19 patients has brought panic all around the world. Most countries have had to enforce strict quarantine rules to reduce the spread of the virus. This has led to most companies enforcing work from home policies. 

While this may be in everyone’s best interest, it has led to a new’ loneliness pandemic.’ About 60% of people have reported feeling lonely during this pandemic. This is even worse for recovering addicts who function best in groups. 

There’s no downplaying the importance of a stable and relaxed mind. Loneliness affects one’s mental health, and eventually, it affects the physical body.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can deal with loneliness:

1. Adopt a pet 

Numerous rescued animals are always looking for new homes. Having a pet is like having a best friend that loves you unconditionally. People with special needs can get service dogs who are trained specially for when you’re lonely.

2. Learn a New Hobby

Working on something new is a great way to distract your brain from all that’s happening in the world. If you’re actively engaging your brain, then chances are, you’re less likely to feel lonely. You could start painting, gardening, or even knitting. As long as it’s something that you genuinely enjoy. 

The process of learning something new also makes you feel happy and accomplished.

3. Read a Book 

Books act as an escape for many people. Reading opens up your mind to imagination and alleviates stress. Once you find a good book, it can hold your attention for hours. People with reading disabilities have not been left out. Applications such as Audible have made almost all bestsellers available in audio form.

4. Exercise and Meditate 

Studies have shown that about 60% of individuals sit for a minimum of 6 hours daily. This leaves room for constant overthinking and causes feelings of loneliness. Move your body even if it means dancing for 10 minutes. 

Meditation helps improve focus, and it helps in lowering stress. 

5. Give to the Less Fortunate 

Millions of people have been left homeless and in need during the pandemic. A lot of companies have laid off even their minimum wage workers. This has translated into no money for numerous families who relied on minimum wage to survive. 

Go out into the community and help people who are in need. In making other people happy, you also reduce your feelings of loneliness.

6. Reduce Your Social Media Time 

With so much negative news going around, it’s essential to limit what you read and hear. A lot of information available on the information is misleading and causes unnecessary anxiety. Spend a maximum of 1 hour every day on social networks and only look for important news.

7. Contact a Mental Health Professional 

Numerous organizations have been set up to help the vulnerable during the pandemic. Such organizations include Mind and Campaign to end loneliness, which is now offering support and reliable information. 

Addiction recovery organizations such as AA and Narcotics Anonymous also have virtual meetings to help people cope.

8. Stay in Contact With Your Loved Ones 

You can always stay in touch with family and friends, thanks to technology. There are hundreds of free applications that allow unlimited video calls with multiple people, i.e., Zoom, Skype, etc. 

Technology has gotten us used to text our loved ones instead of calling. Phone calls communicate in ways that text can’t. Hearing a loved one’s voice helps relieve anxiety and makes you feel connected. 

9. Keep a Journal 

Journaling is a great method of tapping into your emotions and discovering your feelings. When you’re lonely, your thoughts can easily overwhelm you making it impossible to fix the problem. 

Journaling helps you slowly unpack your brain, which will help you determine why you’re lonely. 

10. Step Outside 

Go for a walk outside and appreciate the beauty of nature. Watch the sunset and notice the different animals around you. There’s a reason why people say, “Nature is Healing.”

11. Start a Project 

Most of us have put off doing something in the past because we didn’t have time. It may be painting your house a new color or fixing a toilet seat. Whatever it is, now is the time to do it.

12. Focus on Your Quarantine Lifestyle 

Sometimes lack of sleep and unhealthy eating habits can affect mental health. Always aim to sleep for 8 hours and add more fruits and greens to your diet. Eating fruits such as bananas has been known to cause the release of endorphins. These hormones, in turn, boost your mood and make you more active.

AmHealth Behavioral is an institution that allows individuals to stay in a safe and comfortable space during recovery. We do this through our numerous programs that help individuals go through all levels of recovery. Often when a patient recovers, they need to look for a sober living home away from the rehab center. At AmHealth, all our facilities are available in one place. 

We especially deal with the mental aspect of addiction and recovery in our numerous therapy services. We offer the following types of therapy: Trauma & PTSD therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, acceptance, and commitment therapy, among others. 

Here are some of the different facilities that we have:

310 Residential: A facility that offers full time living and in house detoxification. Patients here get personalized care aimed at treating addiction and co-occurring disorders. 

The BluffsSober living: This is a sober living facility that helps you stay in recovery after treatment. Mental health professionals also address the problems that recovering addicts experience

Novo detox: A luxurious in house detox facility for patients who want a homely place to undergo treatment.

Overland IOP: This is an outpatient facility for those who can’t be torn away from daily obligations

We are located in the sunny city of Los Angeles in California. Contact us and get the type of help that you need.

Key Takeaway 

Every human being goes through a phase where they feel lonely. This can happen even when you have numerous people around you. Loneliness is especially common in people who are undergoing addiction recovery and therapy. It’s important to seek help as early as possible to avoid spiraling into major depression. 

There are always simple things that you can do to cheer yourself up. Call a friend or go for a walk and you’ll feel at least 45% better. If such measures don’t work, then consider calling your therapist or admitting yourself into a sober living home. 

Loneliness can easily become a trigger for a drug relapse when you’re in recovery. Always reach out to people who want to help.