The lowest moments to the most illuminating lessons.
This essay is about personal, anecdotal experience and should not substitute medical advice.
If you’re having health concerns of any kind, we urge you to speak to a healthcare professional.
For six months and counting, many of us have spent more time at home than we ever have.
We checked in with seven women to find out what itsreallybeen like living alone during a worldwide health crisis.
I dont know how couples did it."
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
On the highs and lows…
“This summer has been filled with a lot of low moments.
The amount of people living their lives like its completely normalhaving summers and going on vacationsis wild to me.
I wanted to do something, but COVID-19 was still a very real threat.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
“The happiest I felt was on the Cape, as well as on my 30th birthday.
But when the day came, I was really happy and felt very loved.”
With no real separation of work from life anymore, Ive realized I need to prioritize myself.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
We wake up and start working because our homes are our offices.
Ive also been able to hang out with my best friend from high school most weekends.
Keri, 64
“In the beginning, I had people doing renovations on my home.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
Where I live in rural Virginia, COVID-19 was not as prominent as it is in urban areas.
“The lowest point was not being able to see my friends.
I was not able to see local people.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
That lack of connection is hard.
“I did, however, rescue a new dog.
Its going great and Im very excited to add somebody to the family.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
Im excited to spend time training her and acclimating her to her new life.”
“I found that I can take living alone better than some people.
I have another friend who is really having a hard time with it.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
But I dont get to see my family because theyre all in New York, so thats sad.
“Ive been able to focus on stuff around the house.
My book club and yoga have helped too.
Unsplash/Design by Cristina Cianci
First, we were just Zooming but now were meeting outside.
The highest moment Ive experienced was feeling settled in my new apartment.”
“Im understanding myself and my needs more every day.
Its wild how you might get acquainted with yourself once your life slows down.
“In the past, my mother and I havent been very close.
But during isolation, weve been able to talk on the phone every morning.
Hearing firsthand about how it’s very similar on her side of the world has been very comforting.
I also never miss a phone session with my therapist, and Im way better for it.”
It feels likeGroundhog Dayevery morning.
“I’ve been on antidepressants for five years and they have been life-changing.
I know I would be in a much worse place mentally during this time if I wasn’t medicated.
“In May, there were these beautiful, bright blue bioluminescent waves along the California coast.
I’m sure I would never have done that if restaurants and bars were open.
Ive spent a lot of healing time in nature in the last few months.”
“Surprisingly, I’ve had no desire during this time to use beauty as self-care.
Quarantine has made me much less neurotic about what I wear and how I look, which I appreciate.
All those things have really helped to center me when things get stressful and overwhelming.
Most importantly, Taylor Swift surprise-droppingFolkloreon us felt like a gift from the universethat was my therapy.”
Nicole, 35
“All things considered, it really hasn’t been that bad.
I acknowledge I have a lot of privilege, which has made living alone sustainable and possible.
We’d chat and then watch a bad movie together on Netflix Party.
It petered off eventually, but it was really fun having that standing date and seeing them regularly.
“Routine has been big for me, especially with my yoga practice and exercise.
“I really enjoy cooking and have continued to meal plan and prep like I always have.
I’ve been cooking more Chinese food these past few months and have found that to be really comforting.
“I talk to my parents every day.
Thank goodness for video chat.”
I’d consider myself an introvert.
I recharge when I’m alone and get exhausted by big groups.
My family lives in California so to be scared and isolated was a devastating feeling.
The weight on my chest felt unbearably heavy and I tried to work as I sporadically burst into tears.
“The highs during this time were small and not necessarily a single moment I can call out.
“My time alone has reconfirmed my resilience and independence.
The pandemic has really slowed the pace of my life for the first time in many years.
There are no trips, no meetings, or work dinners.
I started therapy again which is something I’m very proud of.”
“Going back to therapy has been a huge help for me.
Running and getting outside on walks has also been important for me.
It’s funny because while I’ve been alone, I haven’t had any alcohol.
Lauren, 32
“Living alone during the pandemic has been an interesting experience.
I only expected to be there for a couple of weeks, but that quickly turned into two months.
“Right as coronavirus hit, my mom had to have emergency surgery.
I wasn’t allowed to see her right away because I had been in Paris for Fashion Week.
That was a definite low.
“I don’t think I’ve called anyone in months, we all exclusively FaceTime.
Maura, 25
“Living alone has been extremely grounding.
Although I’ve lived alone before, this is the longest I’ve ever spent in isolation.
I’ve felt so many things during quarantinefreedom, loneliness, closeness to self.”
“The lowest moment I’ve experienced has been sitting in moments of sadness or loss by myself.
I’ve had random high moments where I’ll just throw on some music and dance around my space.
I’m grateful to have health and provisions.”
“A pretty simple routine has helped me cope with living alone during this time.
