Being alone is hard for anyone when there’s no other option available. Loneliness is painful and debilitating. It’s even worse for extroverts who thrive on face to face interaction with others. My heart goes out to you as I know quarantine is a special kind of torture for you. While the fact remains that what you really need—time with other people—isn’t possible, perhaps these tips will help.

Develop a New Skill

Learn a language or how to play an instrument. Take up painting or dancing. Figure out how to change your car’s oil or how to build a fence. Think about what’s interesting and useful to you and dive in. Skillshare has a ton of free creative offerings or you can check out what’s available through Udemy or Coursera.

Attend a Livestream

There are plenty of group classes being offered online right now as well as online concerts and performances. No, it’s not the same as being in the same room with people but it is connection with other humans in real time. If you attend a local offering, you can make new connections that will carry over into real life once we’re able to socialize in person again. Check out local listings to see what’s available in your area. CreativeLive is offering various livestream classes. Here’s a list of livestream performances.

Throw a Party

Invite your friends to a video-conferenced dance party, movie screening, fancy dinner, or bonfire. Get creative and make it fun!

Play Video Games

There’s a whole world out there for you to connect with through gaming. If that’s your thing, it can offer social stimulation. If it’s not your thing, maybe it’s a new activity to try?

Create Change

The monotony and stagnation of quarantine can drive anyone bonkers, especially extroverts. Rearrange your furniture. Designate different areas of the home for different activities and move between them. Get your ass outside and do some landscaping or gardening.

Spend Time with Pets

Snuggle them, care for them, talk to them. Socialization can occur between species.

Listen to Audiobooks

Hearing another, unfamiliar voice is interesting and if the narration is good, will help you feel like you’ve made a new friend.

Write Letters

On paper, with a pen, in your own handwriting. Make cards or crafts and send them to friends and loved ones in the mail. It’s a fun, old-school way to connect.

Make Videos

People are loving the Marco Polo App these days. You can also use other formats to create funny or creative videos to share with friends. Or be bold and post on TikTok, YouTube or Vimeo.

Make Playlists

I’ve probably mentioned this before because it’s been my activity of choice lately. I find it accessible even when I feel unmotivated or unfocused. Work with a theme or simply include your favorite songs. Make them for specific people or for yourself. Share them with friends, ask others to contribute. Music is an amazing way to connect.

Move Your Body

It’s so easy to fall in a rut, lay on the sofa, and eat Cheetos all day. Get up! Attend an online fitness class, go for a walk, clean your house—it doesn’t matter what you do as long as your body is moving. Which makes me think of a song you can add to your playlist (which may also provide some video making inspiration) 😉

Sadly, there’s no telling how long we’ll need to continue social distancing. If it persists for a while and the loneliness becomes overwhelming I recommend you seek professional support.Therapy Den is great directory of therapists, most of whom are offering telehealth sessions. There are also resources for free or reduced rate therapy, including Open Path Collective. This article offers some helpful info, including a downloadable therapist checklist to help you find a provider who’s a good fit for you.   

Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are aware of additional resources that I neglected to mention!

With Love & Compassion,

Adina Arden Cooper

I'm a lover, a guide and a supportive companion. An artist, an ally and an advocate. I help individuals connect more deeply with themselves and with others through shadow work. I believe that shared humanity is a powerful strength and that our stories connect us in beautiful and sacred ways. As I stumble, skip, or soar my way through this life, I invite you to join me on the journey. Likewise, I'm honored to travel with you. In witnessing one another, we find meaning.