If you find yourself lonelier than ever, here are 5 ways to beat it

There may be times when you get consumed by feeling lonely and left out. Here is how to deal with loneliness.
self-isolation
Here are some effective ways to stop feeling lonely. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Manasvi Jain Published: 25 Aug 2022, 17:45 pm IST
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It is the most basic human need to want social connections or companionship and feel loved. But when we feel the absence of these things in our life, we are bound to feel lonely. Whenever we feel that our loved ones are slipping away from us, the feeling of loneliness can arise and envelop us.

If you are going through a divorce, breakup, a friend moving to another city or the death of a loved one, all these incidents can give a shock to your system and constrict your heart with the feeling that your happiness is going away with that person and hence, a feeling of emptiness and loneliness takes over you.

A study published in PubMed Central shows that as many as 80% of those under 18 years of age and 40% of adults over 65 years of age report being lonely at least sometimes, with levels of loneliness gradually diminishing through the middle adult years, and then increasing in old age.
Apart from bringing acceptance in your life about the fact that everything is temporary and no one can stay beside you forever, there are some things that can be done to deal with loneliness. When Health Shots spoke to Dr. Kamna Chhiber, a psychologist at Fortis Healthcare, she told us some ways to deal with loneliness.

loneliness
Teenagers suffer from the feeling of loneliness the most. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here is how to deal with loneliness:

1. Step out

Whether you are an introvert or have a hectic schedule, it doesn’t matter. If you are feeling lonely then you will have to make efforts to get out of your house and socialize. Don’t ghost your friends and meet up with them. This will give you a chance to change your ambience and hence, automatically change your thoughts and feelings. Dr. Chhiber advises, “Build connections with the people who surround you. Look at investing time from your side and take initiatives.”

loneliness
Don’t isolate yourself and instead, step out to socialize. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Take a break from the virtual world

Shift your focus to the real world and take a break from the virtual world. Always picking binge watching shows at home or scrolling through Instagram over physical interactions with family and friends will only add to the feeling of loneliness. “Do a digital detox to more effectively engage with situations and people in your life,” says Dr. Chhiber

3. Take out time for your hobbies

Chhiber says that to deal with loneliness you need to “work towards determining the activities that make you happy. Proactively engage in these so you can experience a sense of positivity towards the life you are living.” Instead of thinking on a loop how lonely you feel, try to engage your mind in doing something you enjoy whether it is cooking, dancing, singing, drawing, etc.

4. Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness basically means being completely involved in the present moment without thinking about the hundred different things that are happening around you. Be completely aware of who you are, what are your goals and just focus on that. “Practice mindfulness in your approach to daily life. Immerse yourself in the activities of daily living by focusing on the activity you are engaged in,” says Dr. Chhiber.

5. Be grateful

If you stay grateful for things that are working in your favour, then you will focus less on things that are not. Try to steer away from the feeling that you don’t have that one person in your life and instead, focus on the ones that you have. Focus on working towards building things and experiences that hold greater meaning and value for you.

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Don’t be sad and try to focus on things that you are grateful for. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

In this world, you will never be lonely, if you just have the will to be not lonely.

 

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About the Author

Manasvi Jain is a professional writer with a keen interest in spreading awareness about various health and wellness issues through her articles. She writes well researched articles by connecting with various doctors and health experts. ...Read More

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