Surviving Loneliness in Quarantine – Valentine Day

Surviving Loneliness in Quarantine 

February is a short month, but the resurgence of romance can make it seem exceptionally long if you are dealing with isolation, grief, or loneliness.  The symbolic nature of Valentine’s day can make it seem overwhelming if you are not part of a happy partnership.  

A year of quarantining has created more isolation, less time with family and friends and a deep feeling of detachment.  This can be triggered by the rash of romantic movies, commercials and social media all pushing this Hollywood version of romance.   For many, this is a far distance from the isolation this past year has brought.  

So how do we survive this.  I would recommend several options.  

Be Your Own Valentine 

The first is be your own Valentine.  Roses and chocolates will still make you feel special even if you are the person sending and receiving.  A date for you to revel in you, can recharge your spirit.  A long bubble bath with your favorite beverage and your happy music playing in the background can also help you recharge.  Taking time to make your favorite meal with pretty garnishes on nice china will also help you feel special.  One of the problems with the promise of Hollywood romance is it often falls short in delivery in real time.  So, plan time to treat yourself well, to make it all feel purposeful and deliberate.  This is a day to celebrate you.  Curl up with your favorite blanket and book.  Catch up on the things that you love.  Dance it out, listen to music that feels good.  Focus on your successes, gratitude and why you deserve to be treated well.  It is always nice when this comes from someone else but who knows you better than you.  Spend the time and effort on you.  This is not withstanding that you can treat others well as well.  But do not forget to celebrate you.  Perhaps it should be a monthly celebration, so you do not forget the special feeling of time, effort, comfort, and support.  

Centered 

Quiet meditation, yoga or other centering activities can also recharge the wear and tear on your spirit.  Taking time to focus on your spiritual center can be healing, calming and restorative.  Regardless of your method, celebrate your spirituality.  Read your favorite religious, philosophical or spiritual passage.  Spend time in quiet reflection of purpose and service, of gratitude and spiritual goals.  The world moves fast, these are challenging times and we often need to turn off all the noise and seek that quiet center that can allow us to recharge, restore and be reminded of what matters most to us.  Rarely is this found in shiny stones, new cars, or other material goods.  It is found when we focus on our purpose, our service, and our mission in this world.  Turn off the noise of the world and find the peace within you.  It is some of the strongest medicine you can find.  

Write it out 

Journal it out.  It helps sometimes when you feel isolated and alone to find comfort in your own words.  If you are working with a counselor this is a frequent tool to help you process patterns, deeper feeling and thoughts that disrupt your progress.  Writing helps you see it more as an observer and provides some level of engagement and interaction even if it is just with the page.  

These issues, your personal strategy and processing the triggers and lingering memories that often can drive current emotions and behaviors.  Connect with a counselor, now many are available round the clock, on demand.