Loneliness during the lockdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic has been well documented, especially for those who were medically vulnerable. According to the Mental Health Foundation, almost 1 in 4 adults reported that they experienced loneliness during those difficult times, and more 18-24 year-olds felt lonely than any other age group.
Even before the pandemic, loneliness among younger people has been highlighted. In the BBC’s loneliness experiment of 2018 where 55,000 people took part worldwide, the 16-24 age group came in with the highest incidence of loneliness, regardless of country or culture. It was also suggested in the same report that this result may be because young adults are still finding their identity and working out how they relate to others in society.
Connecting through shared interests
One popular way of alleviating loneliness is to dedicate time to work, study or hobbies. Each keeps you busy and helps pass the time, and all have the potential of bringing people together.
It may be a coincidence, but hobby crafts such as knitting, sewing and crochet are enjoying a resurgence among the younger generations. What used to be necessary skills needed to save money up until around 40 years ago, are now being learned by beginners as creative and enjoyable pastimes.
In recent years, it has become easier to get started. For example, you can now order a beginner’s knitting, crochet or macrame kit from Wool Couture or similar hobby craft site. And these days it is very easy to sign up for online classes on subjects as diverse as cocktail making and candle making. You’ll get a painting kit, macrame kit or whatever kit to match the online hobby class you’ve chosen to participate in.
From virtual to local
Taking the step from virtual to local groups may take some courage to do for some. But with beginners’ kits, classes and plenty of practice, it doesn’t take long to build up confidence. A shared interest can spark new friendships and lead to more social activities, which can help you feel more connected over time.
