How to be alone

Ok, so there’s a big difference between being lonely and being alone. Whereas being lonely is more a sense of isolation and being separate from those around you, aloneness connotes a more conscious state of singleness. You’re going to have to trust google on this because if I have to cite my sources one more time I might just go insane. Of course, there can be an easy relationship between being lonely and being alone, but I would argue that being within the company of others doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not lonely. ​

Why am I writing about being alone? It's the Easter holidays and if you don't have exams to be revising for, you're probably trying to gain some sort of self-control with all the easter eggs you've accumulated. I think, even amongst this chaos of life, topics like loneliness and being alone are still important to bring up. It's when the sun starts shining and you overhear the tenth conversation about plans to go on a picnic, the little waves of sadness might wash up on you. Also, I just got out of a ten day quarantine so I'm obligated to share my tips on how I escaped (relatively) sane with hardly any human contact in my cell of a dorm room.

As I'm sure you've noticed in the rest of my blogs, I'm all for pursuing your passion. It really did help anchor me during my time alone, and I learnt some really helpful things during my ten day prison sentence which are just as transferable to the outside world. It's a good opportunity to do all those things you've always pushed to the back of your to do list. Ask yourself, if you had a few days to create something, read anything, listen to any album… what would you do?

It's really easy to bypass the feeling of freedom that, ironically, comes with being stuck in your room for days on end. For example, I was excited to be working on my poetry and using that time to focus more energy on it. Even if you're not in quarantine, I'd recommend taking a few days out to spend time alone and channel that nostalgic first lockdown creativity!

Of course, being ill whilst isolating is a little bit different. During the first few days it really is important to rest, relax and refocus on yourself. Being cooped up in your own space away from the world on a little hiatus offers you a lot of reflection time (and even more time to binge watch Bridgerton)! Having some sort of routine is really helpful, in both realities, and making sure you've got three meals a day to keep some concept of time is also handy. As is having these projects and things to keep you excited and entertained!

​If you ever do feel lonely, immersing yourself with other people (whose company you enjoy) does work really well. However, spending time alone to think, create, and just generally vibe is equally as valuable. Whether it's taking a book to your local park, or even listening to a new podcast whilst you do your weekly shop, you learn so much from a little me time. As the sun's brightening up I can't recommend it enough! 

Author

​Anisha Minocha is studying English and Spanish at the University of St Andrews. She is a passionate writer and poet whose work has been published in anthologies, magazines, blogs and won competitions. Contributing to Sink Magazine, she is keen to utilize the voice of young people and share work through her creative writing blog.  As a climate activist, she has combined her love for words and the planet in a performance of spoken word at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 'Letters to the Earth'. She also co-runs Young Friends of the Earth: Manchester and has organised workshops, participated in panels and spoken at Manchester Cathedral.  about yourself.