I could be alone for many hours at a time. Since I grew up in a large family, I adapted to always be accustomed to the buzz of sounds and people around me. Always having something to keep me busy while other sounds are alive in the house, that is key to occupy the mind. It's too bad the chores you finished right away. If only you had a few rainy day projects you could pull out to work on. Calling people you miss, or arranging to meet them for a rare one-on-one is a good idea too if you are very socially inclined.