According to research, isolation for a long time may result in you losing your idea of self. This is an alarming thought, and we might have to deal with this firsthand once we’re all allowed to go back outside like we used to pre-pandemic. Though it sounds grim, of course, this is not everyone’s destination.
If you want to keep your sense of self, it’s important to make an effort to socialize even virtually. Here’s how this can improve your confidence:
You Laugh
One of the most important things you have to do, even in isolation, is to laugh. On the darkest days when you feel like all news is bad news, there should be something that can cut through the negative emotions even for just a few minutes. That will be easier to find if you are socializing, as there might be someone among your friends who has had a mishap they wanted to share. They might even just be good at making you laugh, in which case you definitely need their company when you feel tired.
You Learn Different Perspectives
Experts suggested using the time you’re in lockdown to keep yourself educated. Especially given that things will change in the new normal, upskilling may be important if you want to advance in your career or if you want to switch jobs soon. But even if you don’t have time to take a formal online class, you can still learn different perspectives and be educated on a social topic from socializing with your friends. You can learn about anything, from knowing how to choose a toner for combination skin to learning handy cooking tips. Even if you have Google, there is nothing that beats first-hand knowledge from a real person.
You get a Sounding Board
The hardest part of being in isolation is feeling frustrated. When you see heads of state acting in their selfish interests instead of thinking about their constituents, you become filled with rage and your negative thoughts may drive your actions. You may feel like the only way to be heard is to engage in online wars, or you may feel like there is no end in sight for the pandemic. All of these can be neutralized if you are able to let out your emotions and process them in a healthy way. When you’re alone, it may take longer to understand why you are feeling the way you are feeling, but if you have a sounding board, even just talking to them can already alleviate your mood.
You also Help Improve Someone’s Day
Socializing is a two-way street. It benefits you because you learn a new skill, know how to manage your emotions, and consequently improve how you deal with the emotions of others. All of these also benefit the person you are talking to. The fact that you make a difference in someone’s life will further improve your mood, making socializing a circle of positive emotions that get transferred from person to person. This is, of course, considering that you are socializing with people whose company you truly enjoy.
It’s easy to wallow in fear and self-doubt especially if you’re living alone, but that’s exactly when you should do the opposite. Reach out, engage in small talk, and be prepared for when the world reopens.