20 tips for singles who are not allowed to go out

 Our author Carina Starklauf deals with how you can get through the winter time as a single, even in times of Corona and partial lockdown

Social contacts - what was that again? This question could soon be part of the standard repertoire of some singles. In times of exit restrictions and partial lockdown, Corona ensures that happy singles become unhappy. Because even the most convinced advocates of being alone is better than two need closeness now and then. These 20 tips help sometimes more, sometimes less to get over the loneliness.

Tip 1: digital instead of analog

Yes, yes, I know: physical proximity cannot be replaced digitally. But the digital age gives us technical aids with which we can connect. And that's always better than melting away from loneliness. True to the motto: if not analog, then digital!

Tip 2: texting instead of sexting

How much time do you regularly waste on slippery messages to your lover or a new foreign online acquaintance? Has this ever done you more than quick gratification and depressurization? Sometimes that's enough. If not, invest the time in text messages to people who are close to your heart or those who might be. Texts with sustainability in mind.

Tip 3: outside instead of inside

Fresh air is good for you. Omi already knew that. The advantage of the cool, wintry-autumn fresh air is that viruses have less chance than inside. Taking a walk in the woods with a good friend can work wonders. You are already in balance again. And even looks forward to your own cozy, warm booth. It doesn't matter whether a fur animal is waiting for you at home or not. At the outdoor meeting, don't forget: take hot drinks such as tea or coffee with you in thermos flasks. Then you brave the cold and have a good time.

Tip 4: family instead of friends

Are you lonely because you can't meet friends? Or because you want to be a role model and help contain the pandemic with a stay-home attitude? Then look around. Nice flatmates are almost like your own family: You live together, sometimes more, sometimes less as a community of convenience. And sometimes, astonishingly, by accident, one can get along well. What more do you want? And if you actually have a real family around you at home: Be grateful. Many who sit all alone at home will probably envy you the family company.

Tip 5: friends instead of partners

Are you lonely and dream every night that you wake up in the embrace of your dream partner? First, believe me, it's pretty uncomfortable. Second: If you meet a good friend regularly and in compliance with the hygiene measures, this can have an equally beneficial effect on the mind. Friends are meaningful, and laughing or crying together helps through uncertain times. When was the last time you called your best friend, just like that?

Tip 6: You instead of others

Neither family nor friends - you have no one to be there for you right now. "Alone" from Arctic Circle 18 is booming from your speakers in a continuous loop. But does that have to be something bad automatically? Nobody to say what to do. No one who says what to leave behind. And absolutely no one to claim all of your attention. Change your perspective and make your time alone your me-time. Watch your favorite films, cook your favorite dishes, read your favorite books, find new hiking routes that only belong to you, and take extra long in the bathroom without anyone complaining. Oh, life can be so beautiful!

Tip 7: Imaginary instead of real friends

Missing Netflix and Chill? You can do wonderfully alone! And that in both senses of the word. Stop by the “Friends” or immerse yourself in the world of the “Umbrella Academy”. Other streaming services also have beautiful sons and daughters: Save the child alias Baby Yoda with the “Mandalorian”, travel to the first “Oktoberfest” in 1900 or find out what “Devs” is. Okay, there aren't always friendly people out there, but it's still fun.

Tip 8: gamble instead of moping

Series are not for you because you're sitting alone in front of the telly? And your imagination just doesn't go so far that the series heroes could be your friends? Then meet real people while gaming. Battle yourselves in "Super Smash Bros." Or find out who the fraudsters are among your crew members ("Among Us"). There are tons of ways to play with or against each other. You can even TALK to other people via voice or video chat. Madness.

Tip 9: Online dating instead of real life dating

Video dates can never replace them in real life, that's clear. Still, it's a great way to meet new foreign women. Everything that is possible via FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. Some online dating tips can be found in the article.

Tip 10: rituals instead of loneliness

Rituals create stability. And stability gives you a sense of security. If you regularly meet up with a friend for outdoor sports, arrange a fixed day. Same time, same place: This type of structure can do you good when the world feels like it is falling apart. Rituals also help you when you pursue your hobbies alone: ​​Monday is reading day, Tuesday you make music, Wednesday you gamble, etc.

Tip 11: structure instead of inertia

Keyword structure: This not only helps with leisure activities. It also provides support in everyday work. Are you permanently in the home office and just shuffling from bed to laptop to refrigerator and back again? Break through indolence and redesign your day instead of letting it happen. Of course there are also people who can uncombed and tease out the best performances in their pajamas and feel good about it. Most people, however, need a shower, decent clothes, and a decent desk to get going and wake up from their lethargy. Just give it a try.

Tip 12: Make music together online instead of solo sessions

Are you in a band and what you miss most are your music sessions? That you can make noise with your instrument at home alone is only a small consolation? Then you know that programs like Skype or Zoom are hardly or not at all suitable for making music together - thanks to the time delay. Programs like JamKazam promise to make music online in real time. If delays still spoil the live feeling, audio files can be exchanged using software such as Ninjam. So you can record a song with others. And you're less alone.

Tip 13: Pampering program instead of gloom

Don't feel like shopping and cooking? Then let yourself be pampered again and order from a delivery service. Including dessert, that goes without saying. If your food is delivered directly to your front door, it feels almost like it did with mom. The gloom disappears and you feel safe. The icing on the cake of the evening is a heart-warming bubble bath before you serve yourself your menu. If you make yourself comfortable, you will recharge your batteries for the next day. And you can really use them in uncertain times.

Tip 14: Online sports course instead of being lazy

Movement is not only good for the body. The mind and thus well-being are also stimulated through physical exercise. A rogue who thinks evil now. Although this type of sport is of course also said to have a health-promoting effect. The effect on its own is not really that great. Then online fitness programs can provide the necessary momentum in your everyday life. So: Get off the couch and up on the exercise mat!

Tip 15: tidy up instead of leaving it lying around

If you are alone, your apartment degenerates into a wild bachelorette party faster than you: “It doesn't matter where something is lying around. A genius rules chaos. ”Can say. But let's be honest: If there are more than three pants and ten T-shirts scattered on the floor, at some point even a genius will give himself up. And soon there will be messie anarchy. So it's better to pick up things sooner rather than late and bring them back to their place. Fixed clean-up rituals help not to put off the joyless activity forever.

Tip 16: declutter instead of jamming

The less you own, the easier it is to clean up. According to life coaches and minimalism experts, minimalism is the principle of minimum property accumulation and maximum happiness. Not only works with clothes or the like, but also with unpleasant people, bad habits and negative thoughts.

Tip 17: Enjoy culture instead of missing it

Do you miss going to live concerts or festivals? Well, that's not that easy to replace. Perhaps digital cultural events can comfort this. Rummage in media libraries for concerts by your favorite artists, binge-watching cabaret evenings or literary discussions. You don't have to do without museum visits either - they can be experienced virtually. If you do a little browsing online, you can find and enjoy quite a bit of culture.

Tip 18: make calls instead of being silent

Who says you have to be alone just because no one comes to see you? Not everyone has the good old phone at home anymore. But listen! You can also practice this traditional custom with your smartphone: good old phone calls. Men may be less familiar with this. But which woman used to hang out with her best friend for hours on end? It is not for nothing that there is such a thing as telephone counseling. When talking to a good listener, you can be yourself. And you realize what is really bothering you because it just gushes out of you. Believe me, you'll feel better afterwards. Note: Be a good listener too. That should be balanced. Otherwise you will soon no longer have a conversation partner.

Tip 19: Meditate instead of musing

Meditation exercises can help to release inner blockages and regain a clear view of your own future. You feel balanced and calm. This makes you less prone to stress in turbulent times. Online meditation courses can be clicked on and carried out from home. Then you don't think so much about the uncertain future.

Tip 20: think positively instead of negatively

In general, it helps in all situations: think positively instead of negatively! This is often not as easy as it sounds. It can help to actively shape your life instead of lamenting passively about the unsafe and unpleasant situation. Do what you can and have fun. If you want to play the guitar, learn to do it. If you want to get more athletic, start now. If you haven't read half of the books on your shelf yet, take down the pile of unread books one by one instead of ordering tens of new ones. And if you want to be sad because you are desperate and have every reason to be, then be damn sad! Because pseudo-good mood doesn't get you any further either. But have faith: at some point everything will get better.