5 Tips For Combating Loneliness
In an age where we are hyper-connected via social media, we can also paradoxically experience loneliness. Loneliness is the state of feeling alone and disconnected, even if you are not necessarily physically alone. Loneliness can be felt by people of all walks of life, however it is often a transient feeling, meaning that a slight change or adaptation can help us feel connected again.
When loneliness sets into someone and sticks around for the long run, it can create distress and increase symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is important to self-reflect and know more about ourselves in order to know how to counteract feelings of loneliness. Here are a few tips for combatting feelings of loneliness that don’t seem to go away:
- Figure out what helps bring you joy
When you find activities that bring you joy and positive stimulation, you naturally “get in the zone”. When you are present, joyful, and connected, others often feel drawn towards you. Getting to know others who share joy with you is a great way to connect while reducing social pressure.
- Reach out to people you care about
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a loving or stable family structure. However, there can be a wide range of people we grow to care about. If you are not sure you to reach out, start with simple steps such as sending a funny meme or video, asking about their recent travels, or even calling just to say hi. When we make ourselves vulnerable by letting others know we are thinking of them, this opens the door for them to reciprocate. People will not always reciprocate in the same way, but if you don’t try to connect, then you don’t know who will also want to connect back.
- Try not to compare yourself to others
It is only natural to look at others’ posts and pictures and experience some comparison. However, when the comparison becomes negative or if it creates feelings of self-doubt, then it is unhealthy. If you know you have the tendency to ruminate and compare your life with others’ lives, then it may be important to take a break from social media or choose to shut off certain notifications.
- Work on yourself
Learn to like your own company. Take some time for self-improvement without interruptions from others. Take time to organize your home and try a new makeup routine, or a new career-related training. There are many things you can do when you are not interrupted by others’ social plans. Not only will you learn new things by working on yourself, but you will also notice
- Build a support system
Perhaps the feelings of loneliness are more related to isolating life circumstances such as having a new baby, dealing with a chronic illness, or being a caregiver to a family member.. In that case, it is helpful to build up your support system by surrounding yourself with others who are in similar life situations. There are support groups as well as individual therapy services that can help you stay connected and less lonely.