Life Compass' Bruce Sheridan Reveals 5 Ways To Overcome Winter Loneliness
ST. LOUIS: Bruce Sheridan, Board President of Life Compass, a St. Louis based business consultant, and former executive with Fortune 500 companies, says young adults need to formulate a strategic game plan to deal with possible loneliness issues during the upcoming winter months.
According to Sheridan, as more time is spent at home due to the pandemic, young adults can feel a high state of loneliness. This can lead to anxiety and depression, and, with more work done virtually, separated from co-workers, it can even have a negative impact on job performance.
Sheridan says young adults can address these restrictions in five ways including;
1. Building connections with like-minded friends. Parties and small gatherings, with proper social distancing, have proven to work well outdoors in dealing with the need to be with a group. However, creating an indoor gathering can be more challenging. Groups should be limited to trusted, positive, like-minded individuals, as opposed to others who may not share your values. Drinking should be minimal.
2. Addressing personal issues with family. Contact should be maintained with family members. Do not hesitate to discuss a personal dilemma or issue with a parent or sibling, a respected co-worker or mentor, a life coach, or even a member of the clergy.
3. Improving skills. The extra time spent at home can be used to add to one's skill set. You can take online courses to enhance your knowledge and prospects for professional advancement. One can also learn a new hobby, a foreign language, or serve as a volunteer to help others less fortunate.
4. Exercising. An exercise program can help eliminate stress and anxiety. It can build stamina and energy and help you sleep better. You can run or walk on a treadmill, purchase an indoor bike with dozens of cycling options, and/or partake in a yoga program or other form of indoor activity.
5. Strengthening one's relationship with God. Last and most importantly, develop an unwavering belief in God. Have faith that God will help you overcome any personal crisis associated with the pandemic. Believing in a higher power can serve as a beacon when you have feelings of desperation. You are never alone because God is always with you.
