Experts Offer Tips for Solo Happiness

Finding ways to be happy alone has become a pressing concern as the pandemic left many people coping with extended periods of solitude, according to recent surveys that show a rise in reported loneliness worldwide.

Loneliness affects many.

Understanding Loneliness and Its Effects

Research links loneliness to both mental and health risks. A 2018 study connected chronic loneliness with a higher likelihood of dementia, while a 2020 analysis associated it with increased diabetes risk. Another investigation revealed that the brain region activated by hunger also lights up when people feel socially isolated, suggesting a “hunger” for connection.

Experts note that involuntary isolation differs from choosing solitude. “Social isolation and loneliness are sometimes mistaken as the same thing,” said environmental psychologist Lee Chambers. He emphasizes that when isolation cannot be avoided, addressing its impact is essential.

Beyond health concerns, loneliness can affect mortality. Meta‑analyses of over 100 studies in 2017 found robust evidence that loneliness may be a stronger predictor of early death than conditions like obesity.

Practical Steps to Turn Solo Time Positive

Both Lee Chambers and therapist Sara Makin recommend focusing on fundamentals that lie within personal control.

Establishing a daily routine can provide structure. Makin suggests that a consistent schedule offers a sense of stability, which can counteract feelings of helplessness.

Related: When Family Fails Create Your Own Safety Net

Intentional communication plays a key role. Reaching out to trusted friends or family via video calls, phone conversations, or texts helps generate a positive resonance that buffers against isolation.

Engaging in enjoyable activities is another recommendation. Hobbies like gardening, reading, or listening to music have been linked to improved well‑being.

When possible, collaborative learning or starting a new project can provide both novelty and social opportunity.

In moments when loneliness feels overwhelming, seeking professional help is advised. Online counseling services, many of which are free or low‑cost, offer accessible support without requiring travel.

Self‑compassion and acceptance are also highlighted. Recognizing the variable nature of circumstances—much like unpredictable weather—helps people focus on controllable factors and maintain a kinder inner dialogue.

While the pandemic has highlighted the challenges of unwanted solitude, the strategies outlined by these experts suggest that deliberate actions and a shift in perspective can transform loneliness into a more manageable, even positive, experience.