6) Ensuring Best Writing Practices

Covid-19: The single-parent struggle with loneliness

Covid-19 has presented all of humanity with unprecedented challenges and struggles among which reporting higher rates of loneliness due to the isolation and social distancing measures. This is especially true for single-parent families. To all the single parents who are reading this, I want you to know that you are not alone in dealing with this painful feeling. The findings of a survey conducted by researchers from the University of Oregon show that single parents are struggling more than others when it comes to their emotional well-being. Levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness are remarkably higher.

Single caregivers have a lot on their plate. From having to look after the kids and figuring out how to home school them to being responsible for providing for the household. This is absolutely overwhelming, especially when you are facing it on your own in a world full of uncertainty. But there is always a way to help you make things better. Even in the hardest of times, there's always hope. So follow me to the next part of the article.

References:

Home Alone: The Pandemic Is Overloading Single-parent Families | by UOregon CTN | RAPID-EC Project | Medium

Survey Shows Single-Parent Households with Young Children Bear the Brunt of COVID-Related Stress – Center For Children and Families (georgetown.edu)

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Hello @magicalOcean594,

I enjoyed reading your post! It was very encouraging and empathetic. I think people who read this will feel assured and have hope. One feedback I would like to give is to add spacing between your paragraphs, so it's easier to read. Overall, excellent job!

@magicalOcean594 I like how informative your paragraph is. One thing I might suggest for improvement is to break up the content with headings for readability!

Coping with Loneliness During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Tips to help you cope with staying home alone

Staying home alone during the pandemic can be tough. Before, you were able to go out with your family, a partner, or friends to fun places. Now, it seems the pandemic has taken that away. As a result, you feel lonely while staying at home. I understand exactly how you feel, and I want to share two tips from the CDC website that may help you cope with loneliness.

The first is using technology and social media to connect with your friends and family (CDC, 2020). The second is volunteering virtually to support your community(CDC, 2020). You can find more tips here:

CDC: Coping With Loneliness

Remember to take it one day at a time, and keep in mind that you will overcome this challenge.

@Destiny4157

I love how short and direct your article is. Keep up the good work pal👍

Thanks!

@Destiny4157

Although it is short and sweet, I think you could have expanded it a little more 👌

I appreciate your feedback. My initial post a was little longer than 100 words, so I took some things out to stay within the limit. However, I do think I should have kept my initial post.

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on all of our lives since its occurrence. Many people have lost their loved ones, their jobs, have had to close their businesses, and have been forced to live apart from their families due to the strict rules that were in place during the lockdown. The sad part is that our lives are no longer the same and we have to get used to the new norms, such as wearing masks, keeping a social distance from everyone, limiting the number of passengers in our vehicles, and restricting travel to places considered far from our homes to prevent the spread of the virus. However, all of these changes have come at a cost. Our lives have changed 360 degrees, and some of us are not coping well at all with the changes because we are so used to our old habits. For those who don't live near their family, it's even more difficult. They then feel lonely and sometimes loneliness can really affect our mental health if we don't know how to deal with it. In this article, we will list some effective ways on how you can deal with this situation well.

Sources:

1.) Coping with loneliness during COVID-19 - Every Mind Matters

nhs.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/coping-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus/

2.) Loneliness during coronavirus

Mental Health Foundation

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/loneliness-during-coronavirus

@SoulfullyAButterfly

*Edited*

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Effective ways to cope with loneliness during pandemic

The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on all of our lives since its occurrence. Many people have lost their loved ones, their jobs, have had to close their businesses, and have been forced to live apart from their families due to the strict rules that were in place during the lockdown. The sad part is that our lives are no longer the same and we have to get used to the new norms, such as wearing masks, keeping a social distance from everyone, limiting the number of passengers in our vehicles, and restricting travel to places considered far from our homes to prevent the spread of the virus. However, all of these changes have come at a cost. Our lives have changed 360 degrees, and some of us are not coping well at all with the changes because we are so used to our old habits. For those who don't live near their family, it's even more difficult. They then feel lonely and sometimes loneliness can really affect our mental health if we don't know how to deal with it. In this article, we will list some effective ways on how you can deal with this situation well.

Sources:

1.) Coping with loneliness during COVID-19 - Every Mind Matters

nhs.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/coping-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus/

2.) Loneliness during coronavirus

Mental Health Foundation

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/loneliness-during-coronavirus

Hi @Helpingheart,

I loved your post! It was very relatable and empathetic. One thing you can do is break up your paragraph into smaller paragraphs to make it easier to read. Keep up the great work!

@SoulfullyAButterfly

This is a summary of an article about Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In this busy world it is hard to keep up with friends and family to spend quality time with. But over the last couple of years, this has been made all the worse with the pandemic. Many countries and cities have put their populations in lockdown to various degrees. Even if the lockdown measures have not been so strict, a lot of people have been either recommended or forced to work from home. Working from home may be a dream for many people, but many other people find the isolation to be overwhelming. They are missing true face-to-face connections with customers, peers, and friends.

So, what can we do to cope with these unusual times? In a study conducted on Social isolation in Covid-19 and its impactof loneliness it recommends a change inmindset, we should stop using the term loneliness and change it to solitude. Loneliness is a negative term; however; solitude is a word that goes hand to hand with tranquillity and peace.

Use your time of solitude, not loneliness, to get things done that you have been putting off. Do some home improvements, take up hobbies that you always wanted to do. Switch off from the internet as you will have an added incentive to doom scroll and get an overdose of covid information.

For me personally, during the pandemic, I was able to complete my master’s degree and start finding out ways to help people in a volunteer capacity. That is what brought me to 7 cups, among other things. I was also able to improve my health and fitness during this time as I could always cook from home as I was working from home. I also bought a bicycle to ride around my local bike track.

See what you can do during your time of solitude. Make sure that you also reach out to people when you are emotionally overwhelmed. At 7cups we are also available to chat with you, any time you need.

@Train1

Hey! Your post is very informative and helpful. It's nice that you added your own experience there so the reader knows they're not alone in the way they feel.

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with loneliness during the covid-19 pandemic

Effects of social distancing/isolation and how to cope

The pandemic has taken a huge toll on the world, changing our way of life in so many ways, some ways have long-lasting effects while others are temporary. Due to the fast spreading of the virus, we have been told to stay indoors but humans are naturally social creatures who need social interaction to survive and lack of that can cause a lot of mental strain on us.

There are various researches done on the importance of specializing , many show it improves not only the mental health but also the physical health of people. One research was done by a lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Surrey; Kimberley Smith who states, “Loneliness and social isolation have been shown to increase our risk of poorer health. Many researchers propose that part of the reason for this is because they influence the body’s inflammatory response". Some other effects of loneliness include substance abuse, Altered brain function, increased risk of Alzheimer's, Antisocial behavior or social anxiety, depression, and suicide, stress,

Poor decision-making.

But with the pandemic and lockdown, going out to meet new people is not an option so it's better to find new ways to cope with loneliness. Some ways you can cope are by going virtual, you can call and send text messages to stay connected with friends and family. You can also try new things and discover new hobbies. Plan your days in a way that would keep you occupied and productive. This time away from others can also help you reflect on yourself and work on your growth but if the loneliness gets too overwhelming 7cups can provide you with a loving community and trained listeners to help you feel less alone.

For more information on how to cope with loneliness, you can visit Here

For latest news on covid-19 visit Here

@yellowcloudZzz

I really like the flow of your paragraphs how it nicely connects from one topic to the next!

@colorfulTurtle948

Thanks! 🌻

@yellowcloudZzz

I like how you give additional resources to acquire more information

@KBeauty12

Thank you 🌻😊

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How to feel connected in the times of social distancing

If you have been feeling distressed ever since the start of the pandemic, you are not alone in the struggle. According to a brief released by the World Health Organization, the prevalence of anxiety and depression skyrocketed by 25% only in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of social distancing and quarantine, it is easy to feel isolated and lonely. Here are some ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional build-up from the past two years.

1. Take breaks from the media.

While staying in the loop and informed are important, spending too much time thinking about all the bad things happening around the world can be upsetting. Try limiting your time spent on newspapers and other forms of media to not feel the fatigue from constant updates about everything.

2. Make sure to rest and keep a routine

It is easy for our daily routine to breakdown when we are working at-home or on a break. Consider sticking to a routine to make sure that you are eating on time (and healthy), waking up and sleeping at regular times, getting some exercise every day, etc. Avoid drinking or smoking as these can alter your brain chemistry and have adverse health impacts. Being consistent with your health will surely help you relieve both physical and mental stress.

3. Connect with others

Even if in-person meetings are limited, you can still connect with your peers. Whether it is your family, friends, coworkers, community, faith-based groups, or other members and listeners here on 7 Cups, checking in with them and having a brief chat can help you feel connected in times in COVID-19.

We at 7 Cups are always ready to be your listening ear -- feel free to come start a chat at www.7cups.com at any time!

@colorfulTurtle948 Oh I forgot to include my works cited:

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html

https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide

Excuse my non-MLA format for the citations ;)

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At some point, we were or probably still are coping with the effects of this covid, one being loneliness. Loneliness is defined as the subjective feeling of being alone, so basically what this means is that the feelings produced are geared towards the individual. Loneliness for an extended period can cause certain emotions to override others, for example, with loneliness, we usually associate this feeling with sadness. At times, this sadness can take over and may lead to serious depression. The emotional state of one is linked to his/her mental health. Studies (Cacioppo et al., Cacioppo 2002; Fässberg et al., Fässberg 2012) stated that sleep is reduced by 7 %, offsetting the sleep cycle. One may feel like the road to this loneliness seems endless, but doing these coping mechanisms can aid to make the individual manage. Connectivity is one of the most important ones, the reason being, that as individuals we are social beings. We love to connect with others and technology has made it even easier for us. Be aware of emotions, this is where we are alert by journaling or seeking therapy. There should be a balance when dealing with loneliness. It is ok that one is alone by him/herself, however, if this extends over a period with minimal connectivity, it can affect the individual.

@KBeauty12

I like how you stick to the guidelines, first being writing in a paragraph, followed by including facts, backlinks, and providing sources.

As for improvements, there could be a cited source for the tips you have provided as well.

Regardless, I still like your work :) Good job!

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with Loneliness During the Covid-19 Pandemic

@CoffeeAddict07

Wow!! I like it! Very informative and creative! It ties into the topic well!

-Kpopcat2020

@CoffeeAddict07

I love the way you stated concrete steps to help overcome our anxiety about the pandemic.

However, I believe you could improve by linking your sources. Linking your sources could be beneficial in knowing exactly which article you used to obtain your information.

Do I have to write the paragraph here?

@RideaRainbow yes please

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Very useful write-up. A lot of thought and labor has gone into it.

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping With Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on the Education Sector

When the COVID-19 induced lockdowns first occurred in March of 2020, schools all over the world shut down. This unprecedented situation caused heightened levels of stress and anxiety in students because they were barred from going to school. Everyone had to learn how to work online and take up distance learning for the first time.

It is hard for children to cope during such a time, but you can help. On their site, UNICEF urges you to pay attention to these pointers:

1) Listening to the child's concerns:

If a child reachs out to you with a problem, take them seriously and make an action plan with them.

2) Encourage children to play sports or engage in a hobby:

This activity could help them channel their emotions into a more productive activity and give them a creative outlet.

3) Ask the students how you can support them:

Be sure to communicate with your children to better know how you can help them cope with the pandemic.

@usefulSummer3139

Oh, no! Looks like I submitted an old draft. Here's the final one:

Coping With Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on the Education Sector

When the COVID-19 induced lockdowns first occurred in March of 2020, schools all over the world shut down. This unprecedented situation caused heightened levels of stress and anxiety in students because they were barred from going to school. Everyone had to learn how to work online and take up distance learning for the first time.

It is hard for children to cope during such a time, but you can help. On their site, UNICEF urges you to pay attention to these pointers:

1) Listening to the child's concerns:

If a child reaches out to you with a problem, take them seriously and make an action plan with them.

2) Encourage children to play sports or engage in a hobby:

This activity could help them channel their emotions into more productive activity and give them a creative outlet.

3) Ask the students how you can support them:

Be sure to communicate with your children to better know how you can help them cope with the pandemic.

@usefulSummer3139

*This activity could help them channel their emotions into a more productive activity and give them a creative outlet.

@usefulSummer3139

Love that you chose a specified sector to write about. Very original and unique idea. I think this will help many who are in the situation.

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Coping with loneliness during the Pandemic.

Being alone can be overwhelming especially during the Covid 19 Pandemic given the rules and regulations we have to follow. Harvard University describes this feeling as a "Loneliness epidemic".

That being said, we want to provide you with coping skills to eleviate this loneliness during Covid 19.

4 ways impacting ways to turn solitude into harmony

1 - Join a club or class

Joining a club or class is an excellent way to feel a sense of belonging and stimulate creativity. With the ever evolving technology in this era, these can be accessible online as well. So if you cannot go outdoors you can still have something creative and interactive to look forward to.

2- Volunteer

Volunteering will bring you a sense of peace and comfort. If you are not able to volunteer you can opt for donating food, money, medicine or clothes to people in need.

3- Find support online

Being alone with your mind and thoughts can be terrifying for some and evoke feelings of anxiety and depression. Visiting sites or communities like 7Cups for support or just to vent is a great idea when dealing with these unpleasant feelings. Social media may also be a great source of online support as you can interact with your friends and family.

4- Adopt a pet

Having a pet around can feel as good as having a loved one around. Giving your attention to your new buddy by bathing, feeding and just sharing your unconditional love and admiration to them could fill an immediate void.

Sources consulted :

Harvard University https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/02/young-adults-teens-loneliness-mental-health-coronavirus-covid-pandemic/

Get well mind. Com

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus-4799661

@SoulfullyAButterfly

@plushMermaid2855

Very interesting, creative and unique presentation! But, for writing exercise, graphic format may not be the best.

Those are great tips to cope with loneliness in 139 words. However, as some parts of it are quite similar to nhs article, kindly note, for article writing stage, please ensure it is unique to pass editorial check. 🤍

@Izzy274 will further guide you on this stage. Keep going. 😊👍

@SoulfullyAButterfly

Understanding Loneliness During COVID-19

The pandemic forcing an immediate social distancing upon us as a measure to mitigate the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused the risk of loneliness to be on a rise according to research published by American Psychological Association. However, it is important that we understand the distinct concepts contributing to social and emotional loneliness to offer tips to combat mental-health side effects of social distancing, such as loneliness (Lampraki et al., 2022). With that said, not all people who are in isolation are in fact lonely; given that, social isolation refers to having a reduced number of social contacts to interact with consistently. While loneliness is the “social pain” as a result of being detached or isolated from other people. As each of us has different personalities, needs, and situations, being aware of our emotions during this difficult period can help us combat the negative side effects and, thus, implement tips that work best for us to be mentally (and physically) well. On that account, we should remember that feeling lonely is only natural, and if nothing works on your terms, it is okay to reach out for help.

@sshn07 I think this is a great topic. People often wonder why they are feeling these emotions, so addressing it in a post will help them. I like how you have explained the difference between social isolation and loneliness. The hyperlinks are great. You also show compassion in your ending by letting them know it is okay to seek professional help.

A few suggestions. The opening sentence is quite long and difficult. You could try shortening it and using simpler language. You could talk a bit about the “distinct factors” as that would be more relevant to your topic.

Overall, great attempt!