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Spend less time on social media -

Social media takes up a huge amount of our time, and is a (poor) replacement for conversations with friends and family.

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Take a bath -

Our brains associate physical warmth with psychological well-being. An often recommended source of alleviation from feelings of loneliness is taking a warm bath, and no quarantine can stop you from doing that!

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Be kind to strangers -

Kindness goes a long way. Say good morning or smile to people you meet briefly in passing outside. It's these kinds of small interactions that remind us we're part of a larger community.

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Get a pet - Pets are, of course, very loving, and they need care and love in return. Fostering pets is on the upward trend right now.

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Upbeat music -

Don't listen to depressing music—that'll only reinforce your sense of isolation. No, make a feel good playlist with upbeat songs, or songs that remind you of happy times.

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Creative juices - Get those creative juices flowing! This period of quarantine is a unique opportunity to express yourself artistically. Take a creative writing course, paint, write a poem! The cathartic effect is sure to relieve feelings of loneliness.

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Keep a diary - Another way to channel your emotions and thoughts is by keeping a diary. These are extraordinary times, so your written-down thoughts and feelings could be valuable for folks in the future who'll want to know "what it was like."

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Outdoor exercise - Do you have a balcony or a garden? Or even a green space nearby that allows for social distancing? Then instead of exercising indoors, work out in the open air. Outdoor exercise is a great way to decompress the mind.

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Don't compare yourself to others - This feeling is especially common among those who hang out on social media a lot. Always keep in mind that the grass isn't greener on the other side, but where it's watered.

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Plan a trip - Obviously, this isn't the best time for leisure travel, but we all need something to look forward to. Think of a destination and plan out your trip. When all this is over, fly off somewhere and meet some new and interesting people!

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Message someone -

Is that feeling of being alone seriously bothering you? Try to reconnect with someone you haven't spoken to in a while, or focus on strengthening the relationships you do nurture even further.

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Tidy - A tidy house is a tidy mind. Tidying and decluttering won't just create more physical space, it should also create more psychological space.

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Encourage yourself - Be kind to yourself, be your own best friend, and don't be too hard on yourself.

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Therapy/Support groups - Is it all getting too much? Help is available. Many therapists offer online sessions. This goes for support groups as well. Hearing from people that are going through similar experiences can make you feel less alone.

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Look for love -

You might wonder what use dating apps could possibly have right now, but don't be so quick to dismiss them. The absence of dates will actually enable you to get to know the person better before you meet them in real life, and that builds excitement! After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

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Don't say no off the bat -

Get out of your comfort zone! It seems like a strange thing to say during a lockdown, but you can still challenge yourself! Go on, do that online language course you've been eyeing for awhile, read that copy of 'War and Peace' you've had lying around for ages, or learn to cook a new meal each day!

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Social activities -

Life can get pretty dull locked up at home. If you're craving social contact, organize joint Skype calls with friends, or try some of the apps offering similar services like Houseparty.

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Poetry - Poetry has healing properties. Poems like Tanya Davis' 'How to Be Alone' can inspire you back to strength in these trying times.

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Literature -

Lose yourself in one the great novels. Loneliness is a common theme in many classic works of literature. Find out what the literary greats of times past had to say on the subject. It might put your own feelings into perspective.

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A higher power - In times like these, we can all use the strength and comfort gained from faith in a higher power. There are many online religious communities that could offer moral support.

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Meditate - Meditation can be incredibly important when you're feeling down. It's an often recommended coping mechanism for people suffering from depression.

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Be honest with yourself -

Feelings of loneliness often lead to dark thoughts about the world, about others, or even about yourself. Resist them! They're merely a consequence of your situation, not reality itself.

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Self-preservation - Be critical of your thought process and realize the whole world isn't out to get you. Always ask how rational your thoughts on others are before acting rashly and breaking off potentially valuable relationships.

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Don't be too hard on yourself -

Don't blame yourself for what's happening to you. We've just listed a whole bunch of things you can do differently to get through this period, some of which you probably weren't  even aware of. Stay safe, and take care.

See also: Get rid of these habits to be happier.

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