Loneliness image copyright: artter / 123RF Stock Photo
Loneliness knows no boundaries and, considering the devastating effect it has on people from all walks of life, there is scant research in the psychology that lies behind this feeling of isolation and despair.
If you’re feeling lonely right now, here are six techniques that you can put in practice today to help pull you out of the loneliness fog:
Your 6 steps to tackle loneliness
- Bring back laughter. Laughter releases endorphins and is a proven mood-lifter. You don’t need to be with anyone else to raise a chuckle; try watching a funny film, seeing a stand-up comedian or reading a humorous book.
- Volunteer. When you’re feeling lonely you tend to lump other people into a box and insist you have nothing in common with them. Volunteering for a charity or community project is a great way to connect to people on a deeper level and provide a service at the same time.
- Look after your body. Loneliness is often followed by self-neglect as we stop ‘making an effort’ for others. But how can we expect others to care for us if we don’t look after ourselves? Be your own best friend and treat yourself to a pamper.
- Take advantage of your ‘me time.’ Loneliness can be experienced even when you are with other people, but if you really are alone, take advantage of the fact you are in complete control of your days. Take up that hobby you never had time to start or get lost in a movie or a good book. If you can learn to cherish time with yourself you will be more resistant to loneliness in the future.
- Challenge your mood with music. Too often we are tempted to ‘mood match’ by putting on an indulgent track that expresses how we feel inside. But music has the ability to lift our mood too, and YouTube, Spotify and other free services offer endless mood based playlists to help you shake off the blues.
- Break the misery cycle. When we are unhappy about anything, including our own loneliness, it is easy to offload on to those around us. Unfortunately, if the complaining always flows one way we can drive others away. Break that vicious circle by being your own counsellor and trying to understand from where these feelings of emptiness arise. Be gentle but also honest with yourself; for example, could you be sabotaging your chances of building positive relationships because it is more comfortable to be by yourself?
Want to feed loneliness? Do nothing! If you remain stuck, talk to an experienced psychologist who can help you to move forwards and enjoy other people’s company once more.
