Productivity seems to outweigh connectivity. Young adults ages 18-22 have been determined as the “loneliest generation”. More isolated and disconnected than the elderly among us. Kind of impressive, but kind of sad.
“Set the bar high,” they said, but perhaps that’s hindering us from meaningful interactions in our day-to-day lives. The root of the cause is somewhat difficult to identify, but there are many things that could be contributing to your state of loneliness. But just know- you definitely aren’t alone.
Downtime is just Dandy
It’s important to know the difference between being lonely and alone. Busy-bodies may not know the difference. They may not know how to spend free time, or who they really are when they are idle. A common response to the fear of downtime is overscheduling one’s life to avoid alone time.
In the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the speed of life picks up. We take on more responsibilities and seek to achieve bigger goals. The demands of these things are never-ending, which makes us feel guilty for taking a break. Constant business effects the depth of relationships with other people and also the skills we use to half-heartedly develop them.
There are many benefits of downtime. It doesn’t have to mean “wasting time”. Taking moments to relax and catch up with friends can help recharge you and clear your mind from stress. It will make tackling projects later on a lot easier because you will have released some stress.
Leave Lonely Behind
Here are 3 quick tips you can apply to your life today to remove yourself from the lonely generation:
- Take self-care seriously. Stress culture has created the idea that self-care is only a privilege, something you think you earn only once they’ve done enough work. Sleep (but not too much) and a healthy balance of daily activities are less likely to make you feel lonely. You need periods of rest and recharge.
- Remind yourself everyone gets lonely sometimes. It happens to everyone. The point is not to never feel lonely. The point is to know how to address your loneliness. Feeling lonely can sometimes be good for us. It can indicate that something in our life may need changing. Feeling lonely can be motivational.
- Remind yourself loneliness isn’t your fault. The nationwide epidemic of quiet isolation exists because of many factors at hand: the pressure to work constantly, the sense among students that no amount of work completed is ever truly enough, and the increase of smartphone use that takes away from face-to-face interaction.
Foundations Asheville
Foundations Asheville is a program for young adult males ages 18-25 who struggle with social functioning. The facility is a home-like setting, giving students the opportunity to learn how to apply healthy habits in the real world. Foundations Asheville emphasizes the importance of being responsible, independent, and engaged in the world around. The transitional living program benefits students and leaves them feeling more empowered than ever before. Let us help your family today!
Contact us at (877) 318 – 7273!
The Foundations Team” profile “We work tirelessly to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives. To contact our admissions team, call (877) 318-7273
