Loneliness can creep up on the best of us from time to time. 2020 has created a situation that is making loneliness a challenge in many people’s lives. Are you one of these? If so, it is good to know that, with the right mindset and the drive to change, you can combat loneliness in any situation.
It is okay to feel lonely. Sometimes it just happens, but Covid-19 has left many of us feeling ‘out of control’ and without power to change our situation. However, you always have the power to decide whether you want to wallow in it or meet it head on. When you take decisive action to overcome your loneliness, you can have a smile back on your face in no time.
Here are some helpful strategies to beat loneliness:
- Avoid sitting around fretting. When you think about it, getting upset is not going to help you, so why do it? If you are not actively looking for something to fill your time, you will find that loneliness will suck the energy out of you. Even when you cannot or do not have the company of others, you can seek out ways to use your time in fun and productive ways.
- Engage in a new hobby. If you sick and tired of your ‘normal default’ hobbies and are feeling lonely or bored, scan the internet to find something new and exciting. Think about those hobbies you have always wanted to do, but never had the time.
- Take a class. If you can: taking a class is a good way to meet others who have the same interests as you. You may get double benefits – you learn something new about a subject that interests you and meet new people you have something in common with and make new friends.
- Volunteer to help others. When you are feeling lonely, helping others can be a win-win situation. With volunteer activities, you do something great for the world and get some healthy human interaction in the process.
- Get a dog. Dogs are natural friend-finders. If you have a dog, take your dog out for frequent walks in your neighborhood, local dog park, or dog beach. If you do not have a dog, consider getting a rescue dog. Dogs help you break the ice with other dog-lovers.
There are many online groups of dog owners. Find one of these communities and get involved.
Join a Meetup Group
There are always likeminded people looking to Meet with others. Pick an interest – business; walking; sport; craft; or a ‘Learn to Do…’ group. You may even start up a new relationship with a potential lifelong friend.
Talk to strangers.
Engage in some light chatter with strangers in public situations. For example, you can strike up a lively conversation while waiting in queues. The gift of Covid is, we all now have something to talk about to others. Every person in a queue is most likely as bored and frustrated as you are. Pass the time together and you might even start a new friendship.
- Call a friend.
Look up a friend or family member that you have not talked to in a while and check on. By the end of your conversation, a happy and nostalgic mood might have replaced the lonely one you were in before. Start a social group.
You can start a social group around a topic that you enjoy. If you are a stay at home mom, maybe you will want to connect with other moms. If you are really into amateur guitar playing, maybe you will want to meet up and jam with some people. Explore different ways to socialize online or put up flyers at local hangout spots.
You will find that with the right attitude and some action, you do not have to sit at home with your loneliness any longer. Use these techniques to meet new friends and enjoy exciting new experiences!