Children going to school, divorce, teenagers leaving for university, a house move or new job can all be stressful, and while they are a part of everyday life, each one can lead to loneliness.
While feeling lonely isn’t a mental health problem itself, the two things are linked, and if you are feeling that way it can have a negative impact on your mental health, which isn’t what anyone wants, or needs.
We have had a look at some of the things you can do to ease those feelings, so you start to feel happier, and more connected, once again.
Join a class
Whether it’s an art class, yoga class, or photography class at your local community centre, being part of a class gives you access to a new group of people with whom you can share an interest as well as a regular date in your diary. Being part of a group, can give you a feeling of belonging, and doing something new gives you a new direction and something to look forward to, both in terms of the activity and the friends you can make.
Get a pet
A cat, dog, rabbit, or even a tortoise can help prevent loneliness. A pet can be good company if you are alone a lot of the time and of course, if you do have a dog, not only will they offer you companionship, but you will meet other people on your walks. It is also worth noting, that cute dogs are real attention magnets and can help start-up conversations, and you never know where those can lead. It is worth checking out local rescue centres and seeing where rehoming options are available and you never know, you might become a volunteer there, which can give you a whole new sense of purpose, gratitude and belonging, all of which can help with feelings of loneliness.
Expand your social network
This might seem daunting but the internet has opened up a whole new world when it comes to connecting with people, both online and face to face. While spending a lot of time on social media, can actually make you feel more isolated as you look as those so-called ‘perfect lives’, it can actually be a wealth of information and inspiration. MeetUp.com is a great place to meet people and to find hobbies, interests and groups in your local area, and beyond if you are feeling brave. Remember, if you do meet up with a new group or person, tell someone you know where you are going and let them know you are home, and maybe you will be able to fill them in on the fun you had while you were out too!
See a therapist
It is good to talk, and if you really are struggling with your feelings of loneliness, it might be worth finding a therapist who can help you deal with your issues. Your GP is probably a good starting point for finding a professional, and while some options are available on the NHS, there are private therapists out there too. Find someone who you trust, who you feel gets you and once you have done that, you may find that one-to-one time will help you get to grips with your loneliness and a strategy for change can be put in place.
Have a massage
OK, hear us out on this one. Touch is a really powerful way to connect with someone, and for those who believe in Chinese traditional medicine, it can help prevent disease too. While we aren’t saying massage is a replacement for all that family and friends can offer, but when a treatment is carried out with care and compassion, by an expert therapist, it can really lift the spirit and you will hopefully be able to relax in a warm, safe space where you feel happy too.
Read a book
Take your latest crime thriller or chic lit novel to your local coffee shop, sit down and as you devour the words on the pages, take in the world around you. We really think that doing something like this could help you stop feeling lonely, even just for an hour or two. You could also join a book club and find like-minded people with whom to share your passion for books and reading, and that could offer you a whole new opportunity to make friends and plan other events.
Connect with those around you
Even if it’s just chatting with staff at the corner shop or in the library, when you say hello and even just talk about the weather, over time this can lead to so much more, from a job offer to friendship. Give it a go, you might be surprised at what happens.
Learn to be OK on your own
Yes, too much time alone isn’t good for you, but learning to enjoy your own company is an important life skill. Being able to enjoy a cup of tea while reading the newspaper, watching the TV, walking by the sea or just being at home cooking a meal or doing chores, are all things you can do with someone else, but try doing them alone too, and you might be surprised at just how much you like you, after all.
Team Pure Beauty
Last updated on 23/10/2018.