We’re all aware of the pandemic that has been gripping the world as of late but, beneath all of the health warnings and precautions we’ve been following for years, there’s another health crisis that has been taking root and spreading under the surface. Isolation is one of the greatest mental health risks out there, and what feels like simple loneliness can be the start of a worrying emotional spiral that you want to avoid as best as possible. Here, a visiting author is going to look at what you can do to fight loneliness in your life.
Taking the Steps to Fight Loneliness
Get into a new hobby with others
You never know how people find their “tribe.” A lot of people simply stick with the family they were raised near, or they make friends in college and keep in touch with them, while others make friends through their work. However, you can look at the hobby groups near you to see if there’s anything you would like to try, from cooking classes to community theater to something else. Aside from finding someone to get passionate and involved with, there’s a very good chance that you’re also going to start making some friends. Just make sure that it’s a group hobby. While there are good hobby spaces online for the more isolated pastimes, you want some human contact now and then.
Embrace the single life
This doesn’t mean that you need to throw yourself out there as much as possible. However, if you are single, then a little human contact, even if it’s just talking to people briefly, can help. However, dating apps have been known to cause more feelings of isolation, rather than less, due to the text-based nature of communication most of the time. Instead, you might want to try a speed-dating event near you or you can even try a free chat line number. Take the opportunity to talk with someone, even to flirt a little. If you feel self-conscious about dating, then approaching with the idea of no expectations can help you work on that a little. It can be like getting some practice in.
Consider getting a pet
While it might sound a little strange to replace human contact with that of a pet, taking care of one can offer a huge mood boost and can improve your sense of reason for getting up in the morning. Plus, dog owners tend to make friends with other dog owners. Adopt a dog and consider the dog walking routes near you. You might find there are plenty of people who take the time to stop and meet up for a chat with their pets. What’s more, there are real health benefits to owning a pet, such as reducing stress, increasing feelings of happiness, and even lowering your blood pressure.
Be kinder to yourself
Even if you do build a good social circle and enjoy fulfilling relationships with others, some of the bad habits we develop when we’re lonely can stick with us. As such, it’s a good idea to start investing in some self-kindness, regardless of your current social situation. Taking care of yourself and being mindful of the kind of hurtful self-talk that many of us indulge in can be important. We can often be our own worst critics, and one of the best ways to become aware of this is to write a journal. When you can see some of the ways you think about yourself, it can be a convincing argument to be kinder to yourself, instead.
Talk to someone
If you feel like you spend every day without anyone to talk to, it can legitimately make you feel smaller and smaller with each passing day, which can be awful for your self-esteem. If there’s anyone in your life who cares about you, opening up to them can be daunting, but it can be essential for getting the kind of support you need to get through the rougher patches. If you don’t have anyone nearby or you don’t feel comfortable talking to them about your feelings, then a support line could be what you need. It’s not the most intimate personal connection in the world but you can connect to someone who is willingly and eagerly going to listen to you.
Take the time to volunteer
If you don’t particularly feel like picking up a hobby but you do have time that you want to make better use of, then getting out there and volunteering might just be the way to do it. This way, you can do some good for the world or at least the environment around you. Much like with hobbies, there are plenty of people who expand their social circle by volunteering, often making friends with other volunteers. What’s more, taking that time to work for the benefit of others can also be great for your self-esteem and how you see yourself. You can rest assured that you’re leaving a positive mark on the world.
Look for others looking to meet up
Whether you’re looking to get into a hobby with others or you’re just looking for any kind of social club near you, there are meet-up apps that can make it very easy to do just that. One of the things to note about loneliness nowadays is that it truly is an epidemic. There are a lot of people looking for an excuse to get out, socialize, and make new connections. Go into it with the idea of simply taking the time to talk to new people. You don’t need to have any expectations of what kind of relationships might come out of it. Of course, be sure that you’re meeting new people for the first time in a public setting, as well. Safety should always be in mind.
Loneliness can be difficult, especially if you’re not living around anyone that you already have a bond with. However, you’re not the only person dealing with it, and there are plenty of people looking for connections just like you.