Loneliness is nothing to be ashamed of — it happens to the best of us at some point or another.
However, that doesn’t mean you should just sit there and deal with it. If you’re struggling with feelings of isolation and sadness, you need to reach out to the people in your life who care about you. It might be hard to do, especially because it means admitting that you’re struggling, but it’ll make you feel so much better. If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few things you could try.
1. Ring up an old friend for a natter.
Dust off that contact list and give someone a ring. It doesn’t have to be a long chat — even a quick “how’s tricks?” can do wonders. You might be surprised how happy they are to hear from you. Just don’t call at 3 am unless you want to test the strength of your friendship!
2. Join a local club or group.
Whether you’re into books, sports, or underwater basket weaving, there’s probably a group for it. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent for something you never even realised you could do!
3. Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Source: Unsplash Nothing beats loneliness like helping other people. Plus, you’ll meet some top-notch people who share your values. Just be prepared — if you volunteer at an animal shelter, you might end up with a few furry friends following you home. (That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course!)
4. Strike up a conversation with a neighbour.
Next time you see your neighbour, go beyond the usual “lovely weather we’re having” chat. Who knows, they might be feeling a bit lonely too. Just maybe avoid starting with “I’ve been watching your house” — that might not go down too well.
5. Take a class to learn something new.
Learning a new skill is a great way to meet people and boost your confidence. Cooking, painting, martial arts — the world’s your oyster. Not only will this get you out of the house, but it’ll also expose you to some potential new hobbies or passions.
6. Use social media to actually be social.
Instead of just scrolling, reach out and comment on posts. Start conversations. But remember, nobody needs to see what you had for breakfast every single day (unless it’s a really impressive breakfast, of course). The world doesn’t need any more wannabe influencers.
7. Adopt a pet if you’re able.
Pets are great companions and excellent listeners. They never judge you for eating ice cream straight from the tub. Just be prepared for your cat to look at you like you’re an idiot most of the time. It’s part of their charm.
8. Start a hobby you can do in public.
Take your book to a café, or sketch in the park. It gets you out and about, and you might meet fellow enthusiasts. Just don’t pick anything too weird. Practising your yodelling in the local library might not win you many friends.
9. Use apps designed for meeting new people.
There are loads of apps for making friends these days. Think of it as dating, but without the awkward “who pays for dinner” dance. Just remember to meet in public places and let people you trust know where you’re going and with whom — your safety is important.
10. Reconnect with family members.
Give your cousin or that long-lost aunt a ring. Family can be a great source of support, especially since they know you so well, and you probably feel more comfortable with them. They won’t judge you for struggling.
11. Join an online community.
There are online forums for everything these days. Find one that matches your interests and dive in. Just remember that not everything you read online is true. That bloke claiming to be a Nigerian prince probably isn’t really royalty.
12. Organise a small gathering.
Source: Unsplash Invite a few people over for a cuppa or a movie night. It doesn’t have to be a big do — sometimes small gatherings are the best. They’re less overwhelming, more intimate, and can make a huge difference to your mood.
13. Try a new exercise class.
Source: Unsplash Exercise is great for your mood, and group classes are a fab way to meet people. Plus, you’re all in it together when the instructor decides to do “just one more set”. Misery loves company, after all!
14. Write letters or send cards.
Source: Unsplash These days, getting actual post is exciting (especially when Royal Mail tends to only deliver bills). Send a card to someone you care about. Think of it as a hug in an envelope. Just make sure your handwriting is legible, or it might end up lost.
15. Use your lunch break to socialise.
Instead of eating at your desk, invite a colleague to lunch. It’s a great way to build work relationships and new friendships you might even be able to continue outside of work.
16. Be open about feeling lonely.
Sometimes, just admitting you’re feeling lonely can help. Talk to someone you trust about it. Chances are, they’ve felt the same way at some point, and that can be incredibly comforting.
