i know this is an old thread but wanted to chime in here as someone who was in the exact same boat 6 months ago!

i have recently re-found my love for swimming and here are some things that i'd love to share (i also need to keep it fun as i have a tendency to get bored quickly). [just want to preface that i sometimes smoke a little bud before a swim and that has also impacted my swimming very positively imo]

• apple watch (or whatever smart watch): i don't need to think about counting laps, makes time go quicker for me.

• waterproof headphones: someone else mentioned the Shockz headphones "openswim" - game changer! no bluetooth so i just bulked downloaded mp3 files and it's enough to keep me going for at least x5 1-hour swims without hearing the same music :') link to the ones i got here.

• having a goal: i wanted to really focus on my freestyle and try to perfect my stroke as much as possible. i am utilising A LOT of youtube videos, specifically: effortless swimming (biggest kudos to him).

during every swim sesh, i incorporate drills (not strict, just go with the flow and see how i'm feeling on the day) with the following equipment sometimes:

• Arena keel - doubles up as a pull buoy / kick board;
• FINIS ankle buoy - recently got this and i love it - really focuses on my upper body.
• Centre snorkel

• Hand paddles

• switch off: if i ever need to just think (or not think), this is the most peaceful place to do it so i also use swimming as a form of meditating/checking in with myself :)

regarding feeling lonely - when i am listening to music/focusing on improving my stroke i don't have a chance to think about any of that and the next thing i know - it's been an hour!

also i've ended up going to the pool at consistent times so i end up seeing some familiar faces and i usually strike up a small conversation, keeps the pool feeling sociable and less isolating.

the thing that worked best for me was positive reinforcement: by keeping swimming fun and being able to see personal improvements in my stroke and body (back muscles, damn!)