Living alone can be an amazing thing. You have full control over your space. You get all of the closet space, can decorate however you please, and no one will make a mess or steal your clothes or food. But despite all of these perks, living alone can also be extremely isolating.
When you live alone, depending on your circumstances, you could go days without talking or interacting with a single person. This lack of human connection can make you more susceptible to mental health challenges, such as depression.
The good news is that there are steps that you can take to be a little more proactive in protecting your mental health to prevent feelings of loneliness from taking over. This is how to reduce the risks of major depression when you live alone.
Create a Social Routine
When you live alone, social time doesn’t happen randomly or by accident. If you want to be social and you live alone, you have to plan for it.
Create a time to be social with family and friends. Set up coffee dates, grab lunch or dinner with a friend, do video calls with your family, or join a class to try out a new hobby. A consistent connection can give you something to look forward to each day.
Consider Your Home Environment
Don’t dismiss the environment in the comfort of your own home. This environment can impact your mood in more ways than you may know.
Open up your windows to let some natural light in, listen to a little music, and make sure you’re keeping your space clean and tidy. Small touches or accessorizing with candles or plants can help make your space feel more inviting, less isolating, and a lot more homey.
Move Your Body
Physical exercise can be extremely beneficial for your physical health, but it can also improve your overall mental health and wellness. When you move your body, endorphins (the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain) are released. This is what helps to reduce stress levels and boost your overall mood. Moving your body also helps to add variety to your day.
Create Structure in Your Day
When you live alone, your days can blend together. Try to prevent this from happening by building in at least one daily ritual for you to follow. This could mean making your favorite cup of coffee or breakfast, writing in your journal, or reading before you go to bed. Having something that you can look forward to each day can give your day structure and provide you with a sense of stability.
Limit Isolation
Even if you don’t intend to, it can be easy to isolate yourself when you live alone. You might work, eat, exercise, and relax in the same space every day, and this can create a sense of monotony. Try to change up your scenery by working from a local coffee shop, running errands instead of just ordering them online, or attending a new fitness class in person.
Be Proactive
Living alone doesn’t have to mean that you always feel lonely. It’s important not to wait to take care of yourself until you start to feel worse. Even if you don’t feel bad now, it’s important to stay ahead of your mental health. It’s much better to be proactive rather than reactive.
If you notice early signs of depression, such as a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or little to no energy or motivation, don’t be afraid to reach out for additional support and treatment for depression. Catching these signs early can make a huge difference.
