Thursday Tips #8 by Dr Sachi Pandya

Dr Sachi Pandya is a psychologist specialising in arts-based therapy practices. She is currently working at SRCC Children’s Hospital managed by Narayana Health. Dr Sachi aspired to spread kindness and joy by fostering clients to realise their limitless potential and grow through life experiences to be able to live happily.

We all have experienced feelings of loneliness in this pandemic. But, we are hardly equipped to deal with them. So, Dr Sachi Pandya helps us with 6 ways we can beat loneliness, even during the pandemic!

• Spend time with yourself

Why are we not okay to be with ourselves? Self-care is in vogue for a reason. It’s because we hardly spend time with ourselves. Basic things such as eating on time, drinking water, exercising, meditating, practising a hobby are simple ways to take care of your body and mind. When you feel good about yourself, it becomes easier to tackle negative feelings such as loneliness.

• Reflect upon yourself

It is an extension of the previous point. A big part of spending time with yourself also includes reflection. Becoming aware of the triggers, things that affect you, evaluating your relationships and your expectations from them are all a part of your self growth journey. Once you are more self-aware and know about your needs, you will know what your next steps should be.

• Don’t hesitate to take help or offer help

One of the first steps to battle loneliness is to let out your feelings in some way. Bottling up feelings of loneliness will worsen your mental health. If you are feeling lonely, talk to the ones you trust and express your feelings. Secondly, sometimes helping others can make you feel less lonely. So be present for your family and friends in any way you can. It does not necessarily have to be in person meetings; even a text or a call to make sure they are doing okay is enough.

• Try different ways to stay in touch

Of course, physical interaction during the pandemic has been less. But connection goes beyond that. With the help of technology, the world has come closer. You can even try sending letters, postcards or gifts to your friends and family. If you cannot plan outings in person, plan virtual game nights, date nights or movie nights. Today, there are many ways you can stay in touch with someone. These small gestures and efforts can further strengthen your relationships.

• Maintain a gratitude journal

When we are grateful for what we have, we realise life is not as bad as we perceive it to be. Appreciating and being thankful for little things in our life can help uplift our mood, enhance positive emotions, that will ultimately help us eliminate feelings of loneliness. You can introduce this practice in your life by writing a daily gratitude journal.

• Do something creative

Art is the only way to run away from home without actually running away from home. It gives us an opportunity to channel our emotions into something creative. Create paintings, practice a musical instrument, dance, write, do anything that gives you joy!