Understanding Loneliness
Loneliness is a profound disconnection where you feel detached from those around you. You may find yourself struggling to form meaningful connections beyond surface-level interactions. It can take a toll on both your mental and physical health, often bringing feelings of alienation, isolation, and unworthiness. The experience of loneliness is deeply personal, yet its effects can be profound. You might feel like no one truly understands you, amplifying that sense of being alone in a crowd. In some cases, prolonged loneliness can even weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. While everyone experiences loneliness differently, its impact can be universally challenging, reminding us of the importance of genuine connection and support.
What to Do When You Feel Lonely?
“I am feeling lonely” is a phrase many of us have uttered at one point or another, reflecting a deep sense of disconnection from those around us. Learning what to do when you feel lonely can help you effectively combat loneliness. Let’s understand how to deal with loneliness.
1. Call Up a Loved One
This is one of the best ways to deal with loneliness. Whenever you feel lonely, call your best friend, your parents, or someone you deeply care about. Having a heartfelt conversation with them can instantly boost your mood, making you feel valued and happy.
2. Take Up a Hobby
Investing time in something that makes you feel happy can be a wonderful way to boost your mood when you’re feeling lonely. When you do something you like, such as singing, cooking, or robotics, you direct your focus on that activity, which keeps feelings of loneliness at bay.
3. Express your Emotions
People often suppress their emotions because they don’t feel heard or validated. This can impact your mental health negatively. Find outlets to express your emotions in healthy ways. Simply saying “I feel lonely” is the first step you can take to acknowledge what you’re feeling. Once you have validated your emotions, you can come up with ways to work through these feelings.
4. Plan a Day Out for Yourself
Treat yourself to your favourite food, watch a play or a movie, or take a class you enjoy! By spending quality time with yourself, you will start enjoying your own company.
5. Meet New People
It may feel unnerving, but try to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Sign up for a networking event or visit a place you haven’t visited before. Strike up a conversation with someone, and you’ll form new connections, which is an effective way to deal with loneliness.
Long-Term Approaches to Combat Loneliness
Loneliness can hit anyone at any time. Here are a few ways to combat loneliness in the long run.
1. Form Meaningful Connections with Others
You may have many acquaintances and friends, but how many do you feel genuinely connected with? In today’s fast-paced world, most connections hardly go beyond the surface level. To combat loneliness in the long run, put some effort into your relationships with others. Share meaningful experiences with them which go beyond superficial everyday discussions. Learn to be a good listener so that you can understand others better.
2. Take Care of Yourself
Your mental and physical health is essential for your well-being, so you must take good care of yourself. Devote some time to physical movements like walking, exercising, and yoga, along with other things you enjoy. You should also learn to meditate to calm and connect with yourself. Make these activities a part of your daily routine. This will give you something to look forward to every day.
3. Seek Professional Help
Loneliness can make you feel hopeless and distressed. If your emotional and social needs are unmet, seek professional support. This will help you feel supported, and you can talk about your emotions and feelings and work through them in a healthy manner.
Your feelings of loneliness matter, but remember, you can also deal with them using a few simple techniques. However, sometimes, loneliness can trigger intense negative emotions that may be difficult to deal with alone. If you require support, please do not hesitate to contact those you trust. You can also get in touch with us at SoulSensei. Our panel of experts will help you understand how to deal with loneliness and embrace solitude to enhance your overall well-being.
Sources
- “15 Things to Do If You’re Feeling Lonely.” Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Foundation.
- “Loneliness.” Mind, Mind.
- Raypole, Crystal, and Erika Klein. “13 Things to Do When You Feel Lonely.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 July 2022.
- Vujić, Katja. “What to Do When You’re Feeling Lonely.” The Cut, Vox Media, LLC, 29 Dec. 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between being alone and feeling lonely?
Being alone is simply a state of being without the company of others. It may not necessarily make you feel lonely. When you feel lonely, you feel a lack of human connection, even in the presence of other people. Loneliness can negatively impact your mental and physical health.
How can I tell if my loneliness is affecting my mental health?
While loneliness can generally be managed using the techniques discussed above, it can sometimes get very overwhelming, adversely impacting our mental health. A few signs to watch out for are-
1. Frequent feelings of anxiety
2. Loss of interest in activities you enjoyed earlier
3. Feelings of unworthiness
4. Physical symptoms such as fatigue and frequent headaches
5. Lack of sleep
Along with these, if you’ve been experiencing persistent sadness or an inability to concentrate on everyday activities due to loneliness, seek help from a professional for support and guidance.
What are some quick ways to feel less lonely?
Whenever you feel loneliness creeping up on you, calling someone you love and talking to them can instantly boost your mood and make you feel supported. Moving your body is another great way to get rid of emotional distress. Take a quick walk outside, as a change of environment can also be helpful to combat loneliness.
