Are you among the 36 million people living alone in the U.S.? Then, you are one in 10 people living independently. And, if you are, you must have faced loneliness in one way or another since the start of the pandemic.
According to a survey conducted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education last year, 36% of Americans feel serious loneliness. This includes 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers who are taking care of their children. This loneliness, according to the report, could be due to the pandemic.
You’d think adult men are not affected because men are more likely to live alone than women before the age of 65. But, men have also adjusted to the loneliness brought about by limited mobility.
There could be a good side and a bad side to living alone, depending on a person’s situation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living alone during quarantine?
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You are used to being alone.
Being stuck at home alone shouldn’t bother you anymore because you’ve been doing it for years. You wake up alone, eat alone, and sleep alone. You tend to your needs independently so you don’t need the help of your friends and family. If you’ve been living alone long enough, that means you’re comfortable with solitude. Solitude brings you peace especially at alarming times like this.
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You wouldn’t have to worry about anyone else.
Things could get worse during a pandemic. If unfortunately, you tested positive for COVID-19, then you can isolate worrying about infecting other people.
You are also used to food deliveries and laundry services. You wouldn’t have to ask anyone to assist you during your isolation.
But, of course, try not to get infected if possible. Stay at home since you wouldn’t have the itch to go out anyway.
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You can work out on your own.
Those men who have been living alone have their own space to themselves for their workouts. Some even maximize their garden and set up their gym. And, the best thing is that they can walk around the house freely! If you want to walk around your garden with only your boxers on, a vinyl fence will give you a little privacy. You can even do your squats and push-ups outside.
You can also walk around your garden alone for fresh air. You wouldn’t have to worry about mingling around other people. It is your own space, and you are the only person there. You are safe because you are alone, and no one could infect you.
While there are advantages to living alone, there are also disadvantages:
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You may be used to living alone, but you’re not used to not going outside.
Men are usually outgoing. Friday nights are for booze with your bros or dates with your girl. But with the current restriction orders, you have to set aside your nights out for a time. Staying in 24/7 and not being able to socialize could be depressing.
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Living alone can be costly during a pandemic.
The pandemic has brought a crisis in employment. Some companies had to terminate their people. If you’ve lost your job during this time, you might be struggling with how to pay your rent. The bills don’t stop in the middle of a pandemic, and you have to continue with life.
If you’re living with your family, you can rely on them for your food and daily needs. If you’re living with a friend, you get to divide the rent and the bills. But, if you’re alone, it’s on you. You have to survive on your own.
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It can be stressful, and you have no one to talk to.
The news could be too much. People are dying. Businesses are declaring bankruptcy. You and many people around the world are losing their jobs. It could be depressing, and what’s worse, you are alone dealing with it. Things could be bearable if you have a family or a friend to share your thoughts with. But, if you are living alone, you’re stuck with Zoom and your occasional video chats with your family and friends.
To get you through this difficult time, you have to regularly communicate with your family and friends. You can also consider owning a pet. Try rearranging your space every so often to give you a fresh perspective. Take your workouts seriously because physical activity is good for your mental health. Read on meditation practices to help you calm your nerves.
Living alone is not easy during this time but if you try to see the good side, you’d be thankful you’re still alive.
