Don’t let chronic loneliness make you sick or depressed.
Do you feel lonely much of the time? If so, you’re not the only one. The American Psychiatric Association reports that 30% of American adults report feelings of loneliness at least once a week.
Loneliness can greatly increase the risks of developing mental and physical conditions like depression, cardiovascular impairment, chronic pain, and fatigue. Take steps now to combat loneliness before it combats you.
1. Identify your loneliness.
There is a vast difference between being alone and feeling lonely. The two are often confused but are not interchangeable. Introverts, for example, cherish their alone time and feel more comfortable in their own presence.
Also, try to identify the cause of your loneliness. Are you in an unloving relationship? Are you living alone in a new city? Or do you simply crave some new connections? Arriving at the root of the problem may help you find a solution to deal with your loneliness.
2. Embrace your alone time.
Alone time can serve as a wonderful medium for self-reflection. Instead of trying to limit the time you spend with yourself, strive to make the most of your solitude. Use the time you spend by yourself to improve your skills, learn something new, and become self-sufficient.
Becoming your own best companion will make you more independent and help you establish more meaningful relationships with other people.
3. Become a volunteer.
Joining an organization that supports the causes you believe in can help you rise above your lonely feelings. It’s gratifying to help someone in need. Being needed is one of the most basic human desires — there’s nothing controversial or embarrassing about that.
People are social beings and we thrive when surrounded by other like-minded individuals. Offering a helping hand can make us feel more grateful, humble and connected to others.
4. Join a book club.
This is an excellent way to combat loneliness because it connects you with like-minded people who share your love for reading. You’ll not only engage in meaningful conversations about fascinating stories and ideas but also forge new friendships through bonding over books.
Find a local book club or even start your own – you might be surprised at how quickly you’ll feel more connected!
5. Take yourself out.
How many times have you skipped out on a fun event just because you had no one to accompany you? Most people rely on friends and acquaintances to enjoy certain activities. But you’d be surprised to learn how liberating it is to enjoy your own company.
Taking yourself out — to the movies, for lunch or dinner or even venturing to an overcrowded concert hall on your own may seem daunting at first, but it can be enjoyable and empowering. You won’t have to rely on others to make the decisions, and you’re more likely to meet new people with similar interests.
6. Say “yes” to a party.
Remember the last time someone invited you to hang out, and you said you’d think about it when, in reality, you were already thinking of excuses to wiggle out of the situation?
Those of us who dwell too long in solitude may start to exhibit anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness, and even shame. Breaking the cycle is not an easy task, but it can be done. Next time, stay true to your promise and accept the offer of companionship.
7. Find a new hobby.
Did you know that boredom can often lead to loneliness? Finding yourself with nothing creative to do can make you feel unfulfilled, exasperated, and even frustrated at times.
Hobbies can help distract our attention from solitude and make us feel more satisfied, motivated and productive in the process. Choose group activities where like-minded people gather to share their progress, encourage each other, seek support and even friendship.
8. Attend a Meetup.
The Meetup platform brings together people with similar interests, hobbies, or goals, so try out one of the hundreds of Meetups in your area.
Getting involved in Meetups can help you make friends with people who are into the same things as you. They create an environment that supports social interactions, making it easier for you to overcome feelings of loneliness.
9. Adopt a pet.
A furry companion is one of the most effective ways to feel less lonely. The simple presence of these loving creatures is enough to counter the effects of loneliness. Studies have also proven that having pets can have positive effects on our mental and physical health.
Owning a dog can actually boost your social relationships. Walking your four-legged companion around the block might prompt an unexpected new connection.
10. Join an exercise group.
Regular exercise helps us maintain our weight, protects our heart and our bones and makes us feel happier and more confident. But there’s another important benefit of exercise that is often disregarded — it can help us form strong and lasting relationships.
Team sports or exercise groups are one of the best ways to develop your social skills. Participating in these activities can help you gain new social outlets and make new friends. Why not try a yoga class, walking group, or a pickle ball club?
11. Reconnect with old friends.
Know that feeling when you bump into an old high-school friend, and you both share promises of catching up shortly? Be honest, how many of those prospective meet-ups actually become a reality?
While it’s true that a lot of people do this out of sheer courtesy without really wanting to catch up, it’s also possible that plenty of them are simply stuck in a similar rut to yours. So, why not take them up on their invite? Suggest a coffee that same afternoon or a late dinner after work.
