Everyone feels lonely sometimes, but if you’re feeling more lonely than usual, it may be time to make some adjustments. Due to social media and other online outlets, our society is more connected than ever before, but it’s leading to increased levels of loneliness and social isolation. Many people crave deeper connections, but they don’t necessarily know how to get them. When you feel lonely, it’s typically because there’s an inconsistency between what you have and what you want from your relationships. Human beings are social creatures, so although loneliness is normal, it’s also important to take steps to alleviate it. Especially since it can lead to health issues like high stress, weight gain, and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Take a look at how to deal with loneliness so you can start to feel better and more fulfilled.
8 Ways Loneliness Impacts Your Health
- Causes cortisol (a stress hormone) levels to rise
- Higher risk of chronic inflammation and pain
- Can lead to weight gain and obesity
- Weakens your immune system
- Higher risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
- Increased risk of anxiety and depression
- Poorer sleep quality
- Higher risk of memory and cognitive issues
How to Deal with Loneliness
1. Accept Your Feelings
The first step in dealing with feelings of loneliness is admitting that you’re feeling lonely. This can be hard for some people, but it’s important to come to terms with it if you want to make changes. Once you can put a label on your loneliness, you can start implementing a plan. If you always text your friend, ask them to meet up for coffee or to hop on a phone call instead. If you’re tired of watching TV alone at night, join a club or take up a hobby.
2. Take Care of Yourself
Feelings of isolation and loneliness can make you less likely to take care of yourself properly, which can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety and depression. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle and taking care of yourself by getting outside, exercising, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep. Meditation and gratitude are other key parts of a healthy daily routine that can enhance your overall wellness.
3. Add Fulfilling Things To Your Schedule
Filling your schedule with things that bring you joy is one of the best things you can do to feel less lonely. It’s important to realize that feelings of loneliness are temporary and won’t last forever, and having a structured routine can help with this. Think about things that increase your happiness such as a morning walking meditation, a Facetime with a friend, or an evening yoga class or bubble bath. Pre-planning these things will give you a sense of purpose and make you feel more fulfilled.
4. Find Solo Practices You Love
While meeting up with a friend or taking a group class are obvious ways to combat loneliness, cultivating solo practices can help build your self-confidence, increase self reflection, and improve your emotional resilience. There are various solo practices to consider, from yoga, to cooking for yourself, to planting a garden, and writing in a journal. These activities can help you get more in tune with yourself and feel happier and more relaxed. They can decrease anxiety and depression and improve your quality of sleep, which all make you feel better.
5. Work on Strengthening Your Relationships
You likely have people in your life where you feel like connections could be deeper. Think about friends, family members, or even co-workers, and consider ways you could strengthen these bonds. Start texting and calling them more, ask if they want to go for a walk or do an activity you both like. You can also try setting up a friendship ritual for something you both love. Let’s say you watch all of the same reality TV shows, maybe every Thursday you can plan to watch a new episode (or two) together. Or if you both love food, you can make a ritual to try a new restaurant each month.
6. Volunteer
Loneliness can be associated with a loss of purpose or meaning. Volunteering is a great way to meet new, like-minded people and it also feels really good to give back. Since volunteering is more structured and focuses on a task, it’s ideal for anyone who deals with shyness and social anxiety. Choose a cause that interests you so that you’re more likely to meet people with similar interests. For example, if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue.
7. Spend More Time Offline
Although we’re more connected online than ever before, more people are feeling lonely due to a lack of in-person communication. Spending your days on social media can lead to feelings of exclusion, comparison and envy, and increased feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, and isolation. Prioritize offline interactions, whether that means going for a walk with a friend, joining a sports team, or working from a coffeeshop if you usually work from home. This also goes for how you spend your alone time. If you’re used to doom scrolling Instagram before bed, switch to a healthier habit like reading or meditating. Start your day with a walk instead of checking TikTok first thing in the morning. The more time you can spend offline enjoying real life, the better.
8. Get a Pet
If you have the right lifestyle for it (consider time, space, and money), getting a pet can be one of the best ways to combat loneliness. Pets, especially cats and dogs, provide companionship and unconditional love, and give their owners a sense of purpose. Getting a pet can also connect you with other people. If you have a dog, you’ll need to walk it, which will open you up to a community of other dog walkers. If you can’t have a pet of your own, consider volunteering at a shelter or offering to pet-sit for your friends. Being around animals can decrease cortisol, reduce loneliness, and increase your mood and happiness levels.
We hope these tips help with feeling lonely. If feelings of loneliness are impacting your day to day life and making you feel depressed, talk to a mental health specialist as soon as possible to help you get back to feeling yourself.
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