Feeling lonely impacts everything. It can make you feel worthless and unfulfilled in life, not to mention the fact that loneliness can lead to mental health problems, which bring a host of other symptoms. If you’re experiencing this emotion and have been for a while, it’s time to do something about it. Here are nine tips to help you overcome loneliness so you can improve your emotional well-being.
- Accept That It’s Normal. It might not feel like it, but everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their life. And the feeling of loneliness isn’t exactly what you might think. Some people are happy when they’re alone but feel lonely when they’re surrounded by people because they don’t feel understood or cared for. The opposite can also be true. You might feel happiest with your friends and sad when you don’t have any plans. Regardless of how you experience loneliness, it’s important to realize it’s a normal feeling and you aren’t alone.
- Spend Time Outside. According to research, spending time outdoors can have a profound impact on your overall mood. If you’re feeling lonely, try connecting with nature. With that said, you don’t have to be outdoorsy to gain something from spending time outdoors. If you like camping, go right ahead. But going on a hike, taking a stroll around your neighborhood, or reading a book on the patio can be enough.
- Reach Out. When was the last time you asked a friend to hang out? If it’s been a while that might be the reason you’re feeling so lonely. It’s easy to assume your friends don’t want to spend time with you simply because they aren’t reaching out. But that might not be the case. Take yourself, for example. You aren’t reaching out, but you’d probably enjoy grabbing dinner with a friend. Right? Instead of waiting, take the initiative and nurture your friendships.
- Re-Connect With Hobbies. Did you use to read all the time? Maybe you used to take tennis lessons? You should consider re-connecting with those hobbies. Not only will it give you something to do, but it could help you meet people with similar interests. Hobbies are a great way to get in touch with your creative side and help you feel more fulfilled.
- Find New Friends. As we get older, our friendships evolve. Chances are, some of your friends have moved away, gotten married, or had kids. It might be difficult to stay connected because of all these changes. If that’s the case, you should consider making new friends. Now, we’re not saying to drop your old friends – make sure you still stay in touch. But, it might be time to make new connections with people in similar life phases.
- Try Something New. Are you someone who doesn’t like to get out of their comfort zone? If so, you might want to consider getting out of your comfort zone. This might not appeal to you. But trust me, trying something new can help you overcome your fears. It can introduce you to new people and activities you might otherwise not know about.
- Get Off Social Media. Social media can be a great place. It can help you stay connected to your friends and family, but it can also breed negative emotions. Staring at photos of people traveling and having fun with their friends can cause you to think less about your own life. You’ll start to make comparisons, which will only make you feel lonelier and less content. If you find yourself constantly scrolling, it’s time to take a break from social media.
- Practice Self-Care. Feeling lonely can impact your mental health, as well as your physical health. If you’re not careful, it could cause you to stop taking care of yourself which will only make you feel worse. That’s why it’s important to practice self-care. Make sure you’re eating nutritious food, moving your body, and getting enough sleep — even when you don’t want to.
- Contact A Professional. Loneliness is something everyone experiences at some point or another. It can be an overwhelming feeling, especially when you’re tackling it alone. The good news is, you don’t have to. A professional, like a therapist or psychiatrist, can help you address your loneliness and find ways to overcome it. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’d be surprised by how impactful talking to someone can be.
