How often do you feel lonely?
Loneliness can creep up on you whether you’re alone or even when you’re surrounded by other people.
Luckily, there are things you might do when you’re lonely to feel better.
I went to the experts to find out what they suggest to beat that lonely feeling.
For contributing, she suggested that you “make a list of ways you’re free to contribute.
The goal is to get you out of your mind.”
She said to keep going down the list until you figure out what works.
She even has a few she recommends, “The Moth(also on NPR),RISK!
Listening to stories also has the added benefit of making you feel connected to others.
It is also a highly entertaining.”
By helping someone less fortunate, we realize that we have the ability to make a difference.
Many organizations have service opportunities listed online.
The act of creation can help ease your loneliness, as well.
As you create, you get in touch with your inner self.
And creativity is enormously engaging to our cognitive and emotional brain."
Meditate
Have you ever meditated?
Once you scan the body… notice the clinging sensations or however the discomfort of loneliness shows up.
Breathe into the area and areas around it and send comforting support to this area."
Include yourself in this too.
We all feel the same depths of loneliness we just wear it differently."
Lonely times often correlate to isolation and inactivity, so counter those feeling by forcing your body to move.
As you move, you’ll find the feelings of loneliness lifting.
Classes are great places to meet people with similar interests to yours.
They’ll get you out of the house and ease your feelings of loneliness.
McCurdy told me, “Sign up for a class any class.
Where are you most likely to meet people who like the same things you do?
They don’t just have to be workout or improv classes though.
Do you like sculpting?
Whatever you enjoy, there’s probably a class for it in your hometown.
Get out there and join a class today.
No matter how bad I feel, I know a few minutes on the phone will lift my spirits.
Do you have someone you’re free to call when you feel lonely?
When we are lonely it’s because we are hungry for connection.
Therefore, doing something to help us feel connected is often the answer.”
Therefore, working through this will be imperative to build relationships that are satisfying to avoid feeling lonely."
Therapy can help you if you’re experiencing loneliness connected to depression or social anxiety.
Treder-Wolff added, “With treatment, the loneliness linked to depression can be greatly relieved.
Sometimes loneliness is a result of social anxiety, shyness, or lack of skills for navigating social situations.
Know that it will pass
You may feel desperately lonely right now.
Know that loneliness is completely normal and that it will pass.
Then smile and know that your loneliness will pass and you will feel good again soon.
