DUBAI: For many, the walls aren’t the only things closing in during lockdown. Whether you live alone, or with housemates and family, it’s possible that your isolation household is starting to wear a little thin, be that from the desire for some alone time in a busy home or the loneliness of being on your own, or without specific loved ones, during this unprecedented time. Reem Shaheen, counselling psychologist and director of BE Psychology Center for Emotional Wellbeing in Dubai, explains how to deal with the stress of it all. It is normal to feel lonely, as humans we are neurobiologically wired to seek connections — this is why we build communities. We have an innate need to experience connection and belonging, hence when faced with a pandemic that forces us not only to stay home but to isolate ourselves socially, we tend to experience feelings of loneliness. And it’s not just those who live on their own that can feel lonely, different types of relationships provide us with different types of connection and intimacy. Someone who is living with their whole family or a number of housemates can still feel lonely by missing their extended network. One connection with one person cannot replace another, this is why we seek a variety of friendships. Also, being confined in a closed space for a prolonged period of time can lead to increased irritability with those around you, even those dearest to you like partners and children. It is perfectly normal to feel suffocated by all this pressure, everyone needs their own space to process their emotions and reflect on their experiences. In this time of global trauma, everyone needs the time to think about how they’re being affected individually, about their future, as well as tackle old memories that might be triggered. Reem’s top tips Dive into a story Diving into a fictional story, be it through a book or a film, can alleviate some of the feelings of loneliness by giving you some time away from what might be a difficult reality. Escape a busy household by reading alone, or bring calm to an overactive home through family time with a joyous film. Take a walk down memory lane Revisiting old memories through photos can alleviate some of the feelings of loneliness by reminiscing and also imagining happier times ahead together. Try virtual connections through video calls with friends and family, or call someone you rarely speak to for a new perspective. Seek out alone time If you’re in a busy household, assign times where each individual can have some alone time in a space where they feel comfortable and safe. This can be as simple as planning alternative shop visits ahead of time, scheduling use of the communal spaces, taking a peaceful bath, staggering bed times and wake up calls if possible, or parents alternating child care duties. Experiment! Try something new to combat feeling down. Setting and completing tasks such as arts, crafts and baking can release happy hormones and chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin not only once the goal is achieved, but also during the process, exercise can also have the same effect.