Wednesday 15-12-2021 - 10:46

 

Written by Content Creator - Will

 

I’m stuck in bed, it’s almost three in the afternoon. A growing pile of lateral flow tests is strewn across my bedside table. Each one stricken with dreaded, ugly double red lines. Each completed test more pathetically optimistic than the last. COVID has got me bad; I’m sore, poorly and pretty exhausted. Undoubtedly though, it’s harshest punishment is the isolation that comes with it.

Unusually, I find myself separated from my flatmates by a locked bedroom door, with my plans for travelling home for Christmas postponed. As well as being a bitter reminder to pick up lateral flow tests from The Union as soon as you can, my unfortunate situation serves to prove that loneliness can catch us all out.

It’s not a misfortune reserved for the reclusive or the introverted, but an ailment that none of us are vaccinated against. Christmas can be especially difficult. The swirling flurry of work parties, family engagements and Secret Santa arrangements that arrive in the festive period is enough to stretch even the most extensive of social calendars. Or, induce the most gut wrenching FOMO of the year.

We’re all familiar with loneliness. It’s worth noting, however, that according to the Office of National Statistics, students are more than three times as likely to feel lonely than the average British adult. Perhaps, with that borne in mind, you’re less alone than you may have thought.

 

So, if you do find yourself lonely this Christmas, make sure you’re equipped to cope as best as you can. Here are some tips for self care:

 

Find a purpose: At Christmas, especially, we all deserve to take things easy. With that being said, languishing too much can leave us feeling lost and alone. Setting routines, whilst tricky at first, can add real value and worth to your days. Whether that means setting time each day to get on top of small bits of uni work, or just having a daily skin care regime. It’s important to recognise that the things you want to achieve are worth your effort and time. Try to spend some time outside or exercising too.

Reach out: It can often feel as though, actually, you do know lots of people, but that perhaps they don’t know you well enough to have a really close bond. The pandemic has made it particularly tricky to form meaningful relationships with new connections, after all. Asking someone for a chat, to meet up, or share a facetime/phone call can make a real difference. There’s every chance that someone else is feeling the same as you are and will really appreciate you wanting to talk.

Don’t compare yourselves to others: When you’re feeling lonely, it can be easy to look at how other people are doing and draw comparisons. This is harmful and there’s no need for it. No one is expecting you to immediately become a party animal, and nor should you expect that of yourself. Forcing things to move too quickly will likely do more harm than good. So, take it slow and allow yourself time to find out what works for you.

Get online: The internet boasts a million and one ways to make you feel less lonely. Try interacting in groups online who share interests with you. Perhaps drop a message to a course-mate and ask them how they’re feeling.