We must have heard that old joke, “Loneliness is addictive; once you get the taste of it, you won’t want to deal with people.” On the contrary, loneliness is not addictive. Instead, it is poisonous. Even before the early days of civilization, humankind understood the value of forming a group value of being together. However, it was mostly for their survival. Today, we will discuss How to Overcome loneliness.
Nowadays, it is not like some wild animal will pounce on you if you are lonely, but the mental toll it takes is really awful. We face loneliness at some point in time, which is not a very good experience.
Ways to deal with loneliness
1. Join a Class or Club
It can be anything like an art class, exercise class, or book club; joining a class or a club naturally introduces you to a group of people who share at least one of your interests. Check your local library or sports group, as well as city parks & music groups, to see what’s available.
Joining a class or club can also offer a sense of belonging that gets rekindled by being part of a group. This can stimulate creativity & activity, give you something to look forward to & help to keep loneliness at bay. It is the best method for How to Overcome loneliness.
2. Improve Your Social Skills
Okay, you are part of a group, madly playing some jazz of your choice, but now what? It’s not enough to show up. You also have to connect with people. Suppose loneliness is a product of both the quality & quantity of our social connections. In that case, group activities can deal with quantity, but our social skills are essential to care for the quality.
Suppose you need to be more capable of connecting efficiently with others. If you struggle to initiate conversations, get to know people or state details about yourself, it doesn’t matter how many people you connect to; you will feel unfulfilled. People like being around people who make them feel good. If you try to make others feel good rather than yourself, you have a better chance of making solid connections.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering for a cause you believe in can offer the same benefits as taking a class or joining a club: meeting others, being part of a group with the same mindset & values, & having new experiences. It also brings the benefits of philanthropy & can help you to find more meaning in your life.
In addition to reducing loneliness, this can provide a feeling of greater happiness & life satisfaction. Additionally, working for those who are less fortunate than you can help you to feel a more profound sense of gratitude for what you have in your life. It is the best method for How to Overcome loneliness.
4. Strengthen Existing Relationships
You may already have people in your life that you could try to know better or connections with family & friends that could be deepened. If so, call them more often, go out with them more, & find various ways to enjoy your existing relationships & strengthen bonds with them.
Start slowly if you are struggling to find the inspiration to reach out to your loved ones. Think about just one supportive friend or family member you could rely on. It is also comforting to know that more robust social support is helpful for your mental health. It is the best method for How to Overcome loneliness.
5. Adopt a Pet
This one is possibly one of the most popular & recommended Ways to deal with loneliness. Pets, particularly dogs & cats, offer so many benefits, & averting loneliness is one of them. Rescuing a pet combines the benefits of humanity & companionship, & can fight loneliness in numerous ways. When you are reluctant to return to your empty flat but suddenly remember your furry baby is waiting for you, this can offer a sense of care.
It can connect you with other people—walking a dog opens you up to a society of other dog walkers & lovers. A cute & well-trained dog on a leash will likely be a people magnet. Moreover, pets offer unconditional love, which can be an excellent medicine for loneliness. A cat purring & rubbing its face to your face or a dog waiting for a belly rub can bring great mental pleasure.
6. Get Some Activity
We all know exercise is excellent for keeping you fit & less stressed, but have you ever thought about it as a way to meet new people? That is completely fine if you are not already a road runner or pro on a football field. There are many exercise groups & ‘social’ sports leagues targeting beginners.
You may not be able to join some exercise or sports group at that moment, but you could start researching by doing a Google search or asking about them in your locality. If there are people in your life you want to know better, going for a walk or hitting the same gym with someone can be a great way to connect.
7. Try To Talk to Strangers
An easy way to establish connections in everyday life is by making small talk with acquaintances or strangers you encounter. Research shows that doing that contributes to our social & emotional well-being. Next time you grab a cup of coffee or see your neighbor on a walk, try to initiate a conversation. You might feel happier later.
Do you have a smartphone that you often check while out & about? Think about putting it aside a bit more. Whether you are searching for directions or checking the news feed while waiting in line, research shows that technology can get in the way of being more social.
8. Go On a Vacation
One of the best effective Ways to deal with loneliness is packing your bag & going out for a vacation. A group tour would be best but finding a group can be difficult. If you cannot find someone to accompany you, go for a solo trip to somewhere you like. The trip will offer you the opportunity of breaking free of your routine life for a short period, as well as it will expose you to new cultures and knowledge.
Going somewhere & interacting with natives is not only beneficial to combat loneliness, but it will also provide you with new experiences. It will make your mind fresh & reduce stress. It has happened to many people that they went for a solo trip & on the way they met a group or some people & they enjoyed the trip together.
Loneliness Can Kill You, Says a Research
According to research, loneliness may raise the risk of having a heart attack by more than 40 percent. It also enhances the chances of untimely death by up to 50 percent. According to the researchers, lonely people are likely to have higher rates of chronic diseases & we’re more likely to fall into depression.
What is worse is that loneliness can increase symptoms of depression, so if you are feeling more down than usual & are lonely, you should try some ways to How to Overcome loneliness; if all fails, consult a medical professional. Being lonely can also make you more worried about your future life & stress over it, which is not good for your health & mind in the long run.
