Whenever I get off work, I have plenty of time to just relax and give my brain the recharging it so deservedly needs.

Take time. Take breaks. Focus on yourself. Your own mental health is really important, especially in these shitty times.

With all the awful stuff going on, how do I remain at ease?

For me, I listen to music, watch movies, and cook food. Music and movies are my escape. Depending on what I'm watching or listening to, it helps me relax and takes my mind off the stresses of life.

I love my free time. I like to be alone

Unless they say "jk!", or are blatantly lying, or just being a ragebaiting asshole, then that's a different predicament.

Point is, there are plenty of people out there that wanna see more of you. They genuinely care about you, and like seeing you, and don't take that for granted.