[mllelystigre]

Are there useful ways to feel less lonely when actually alone?
Lately, I've felt the loneliness start to kick in on my way home at the end of the day. I dreaded so much coming home to an empty apartment today that I ended up just sitting in my car in the parking lot at Whole Foods reading a magazine (actually passing my house on the way there). Now, I'm back from the grocery store just sitting in my car outside of my apartment. It's like I sense the terrible, empty, sad feelings of loneliness that hit me so hard as soon as I open my door and close it for the evening.

Are there any productive ways to channel these feelings and relieve them when I get home? I usually only have enough energy to take off my shoes and pour myself a glass of water, let alone make a real dinner.

I don't feel sorry for myself...I'm super lucky to have the luxury of living alone in an apartment that I both love and can afford. It's just difficult sometimes, though. I've been disassociating by zoning out in front of the TV for 2-4 hours every night. Sometimes I wish I could be tired enough to just go straight to bed and sleep from 5:30 PM (when I get home) to when I need to wake up for work. Not normal! I would wake up hungry in the middle of the night...also, the sun isn't setting until after 8 for the next few months.

Any ideas? I can't have pets and don't have friends here who I actually like enough to want to see during the workweek.

I don't know what to tell you. I'm going through the same thing. I live by myself and have been for a good long time. I prefer it that way. Do you like living alone? If you don't, then maybe you can consider getting a roommate.

What I do for myself is workout after work. I do it at home and I prefer it that way. I don't like gyms. And other days I go for a bike ride after work in the season when the sun sets later. I feel like now, as I've gotten older, I'm not in to getting out there to socialize.

At where I live, it would be nice to have a good friend. I don't have much in common with my neighbors. At night I go to the pool area. About 98% of the time I go there, I'm by myself. It would be nice to have someone there with me that I like. There had been some nights when it can get ruined by other people. I'd rather be alone than to put up with obnoxious people. But it seems like at my place, I'm either alone or with bad company.

Best to you. I hope that someone else on here can come up with a good answer for you. I notice that you are from Boston. I came from that area.

[Ceara1010]

I'm in the same boat. But coming back to PsychCentral has helped me feel less lonely. It helps me to post here in the evening and go to the support chats.

[Mindful55]

My daughter works in Boston 😜

Loneliness can be an unbearable pain. I tend to think too much,
So much more lately ..

💝🌸💝

Originally Posted by mllelystigre

Are there useful ways to feel less lonely when actually alone?
Lately, I've felt the loneliness start to kick in on my way home at the end of the day. I dreaded so much coming home to an empty apartment today that I ended up just sitting in my car in the parking lot at Whole Foods reading a magazine (actually passing my house on the way there). Now, I'm back from the grocery store just sitting in my car outside of my apartment. It's like I sense the terrible, empty, sad feelings of loneliness that hit me so hard as soon as I open my door and close it for the evening.

Are there any productive ways to channel these feelings and relieve them when I get home? I usually only have enough energy to take off my shoes and pour myself a glass of water, let alone make a real dinner.

I don't feel sorry for myself...I'm super lucky to have the luxury of living alone in an apartment that I both love and can afford. It's just difficult sometimes, though. I've been disassociating by zoning out in front of the TV for 2-4 hours every night. Sometimes I wish I could be tired enough to just go straight to bed and sleep from 5:30 PM (when I get home) to when I need to wake up for work. Not normal! I would wake up hungry in the middle of the night...also, the sun isn't setting until after 8 for the next few months.

Any ideas? I can't have pets and don't have friends here who I actually like enough to want to see during the workweek.

If I watch to much TV--I find it harder to get to sleep at night so I don't sit down in front of it until 1-2 hours before bedtime. It sounds like you might have time to fit in a yoga class after work. There are some yoga instructors that are good at really helping you relax and meditate (the music selection is a key component) during the last half of the class. You would not be "alone" but it would be your choice whether or not to interact. When I used to attend yoga classes--I literally could bring my heart rate down/feel calmer by playing the music in my head. There are other benefits as well--it will make you stronger and more flexible!

[MickeyCheeky]

I don't have any suggestions - although yoga seems like a good idea - just wanted to say that I'm sorry you're feeling alone.. I know that feeling If posting here helps you even just a tiny bit.. I'd continue keep posting.

[Sunflower123]

I'm sorry you're having this problem. I don't feel this way often because I'm a loner and an introvert but when I do it's painful. I think the yoga idea is a good one. Do you have any interests or hobbies? What about something like a bible study or book club? I'm not overly religious but I'm in a bible study that has studies like the happiness habit etc. (not overly religious). There is also a singles group, book club, movie club, and single ladies supper club that I belong to. I wish you the best of luck in resolving your loneliness. Best wishes.