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Does your fear of loneliness cause anxiety or stress in your life?
Does being alone make you unhappy?
Are you afraid of doing things by yourself?
Loneliness is a part of being human. We ALL experience it at some point. Some of us experience it often.
Good news, though — there are ways to overcome loneliness so that you can live a happier and healthier life!
These 5 practical tips helped me overcome the fear of loneliness and hopefully, they'll help you feel more prepared to get through loneliness whenever it pops up in your life.
1. Acknowledge and Understand Loneliness
First, acknowledge your fear of loneliness and understand that feeling lonely is part of the human experience. It's totally okay to feel lonely at times, but there are ways to overcome the fear of loneliness and begin to change the way you think about the feeling.
To begin this change, I had to feel comfortable admitting to myself that my loneliness was affecting my day-to-day life.
Once I recognized this, I was able to start developing healthy habits and change my thinking around my struggle.
2. Engage in Meaningful Activities
Instead of thinking that being alone and feeling lonely is a negative thing, why not shift your perspective?
I found having alone time to be a great opportunity for self-reflection and self-discovery!
Involve yourself in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment!
This is an excellent time to:
Pursue new hobbies, learn a new skill, or engage in creative activities.
Try meditation.
Set personal goals related to health, career, and or personal development.
Journal your thoughts.
Connect with nature.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
One of the most helpful things I learned is the importance of being kind to yourself.
Acknowledge that loneliness is a common experience, and it doesn't reflect your worth or ability to connect with others.
Start a daily self-compassion practice, such as writing positive affirmations or practicing mindfulness.
I write positive affirmations and quotes in a journal daily. I have found that journaling my thoughts is a great way to reflect on my feelings, keeping me from becoming overwhelmed or upset.
Practices like these will help to nurture a positive relationship with yourself!
4. Build a Support System
Building a strong support system has made the biggest difference in my life and when overcoming loneliness.
Seek out and join communities that involve your interests! Look for Facebook groups that meet in your area.
Make an effort to connect with others, whether through a phone call, a text, or local social groups.
Schedule regular check-ins with friends and family. Don't be afraid to share how you have been feeling!
Photo by Helena Lopes on UnsplashQuiz
You just moved to a new city for a new job, and you're feeling lonely living on your own. Which activities could help you overcome that loneliness? Select all that apply:
Regular check-ins with friends and family create opportunities to share feelings, receive emotional support, and build a network of people who can help during tough times. Finding local social groups will help you meet new people.
5. Seek Professional Support
If loneliness becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide tools and strategies to help you manage your feelings.
I found online therapy services to be the best if you have a busy schedule or if you're more comfortable attending appointments from your home.
I recommend searching for someone who matches your values and needs through sites like Psychology Today.
Take Action
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashYou can overcome loneliness!
This Byte has been authored by
Emanuela Andolina
Educator and Instructional Designer