9 Tricks That Will Help You Deal With Loneliness

Have you ever felt lonely even when surrounded by people? This is a completely normal feeling experienced by many, especially during holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and other special occasions. When we should be feeling warmth and belonging, an uncomfortable emptiness can arise. Let me share some tricks to help you deal with loneliness.

Loneliness does not only affect those who are physically alone. Even people who are constantly around others can experience deep loneliness. Some psychologists suggest that these feelings are often influenced by our childhood—whether we were surrounded by love and attention or not. These factors continue to shape our ability to form and maintain relationships.

In the United States, recent research indicates that nearly half of the population experiences occasional loneliness. So, know that you are not alone. When we are lonely, our productivity and motivation also suffer. We become withdrawn, negative, and irritable, and a dark cloud forms over us. However, we have the power to dispel it and let the sunshine into our lives.

Did you know that everyone responds to loneliness differently?

People react to loneliness in completely different ways. Some individuals quickly recognize their emotions and take action with various techniques and habits to reconnect with themselves and their own worth. They might walk in nature, read inspiring books, or spend time with loved ones. They understand that loneliness is a sign that they need more connection—whether with others or with themselves.

On the other hand, many people do not recognize the feeling of loneliness and thus turn to external distractions. Instead of facing their emotions, they immerse themselves in excessive use of social media, playing video games, or watching television. They might even turn to alcohol, drugs, and unhealthy food to fill the emptiness they feel inside.

As we know, unfortunately, these activities only offer temporary relief and, in the long run, can deepen feelings of loneliness and alienation. So, consider how you respond to loneliness. What behaviors creep into your life when you feel lonely? Are you able to recognize loneliness?

What feelings and behaviors represent loneliness?

Let’s explain the common signs of loneliness that people experience. Loneliness often involves feelings of emptiness, isolation, and disconnection from others as well as from oneself. You might find yourself in a situation where, despite being physically surrounded by people, you feel distant and unheard.

In addition to emotional symptoms, loneliness can also affect behavior. You might notice that you are avoiding social events or withdrawing from interactions with others. Excessive use of social media or other quick forms of short-term pleasure can also indicate an attempt to fill the internal void. People often report losing interest in hobbies and activities that once brought them joy and satisfaction.

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There are also physical symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite. A common result is a decline in motivation, which makes it harder to cope with daily challenges. Now that we have identified these feelings and behaviors, we can continue exploring nine tricks that will help you deal with loneliness.

Tips to Help You Cope with Loneliness

1. Join a community or start volunteering

Consider which activity is used to attract you the most. Whether it’s art, dance, singing, playing an instrument, Pilates, yoga, or something similar, try to find inspiration and ask yourself: WHAT MADE ME HAPPY ABOUT THIS ACTIVITY OR HOBBY? Why not try to re-establish a routine and get involved in activities again?

If you feel that you don’t have a particular hobby, try volunteering. Volunteering allows us to connect with others on a deeper level while contributing to a better world. Whether you help in a local soup kitchen, work with the elderly in nursing homes, or assist in organizing events in your community, you will feel immense gratitude and other positive emotions that will fill your heart.

2. Write down your feelings

The worst thing you can do when experiencing negative emotions is to bury them deep inside, and loneliness is no exception. Therefore, I suggest taking some time to write down your feelings on a piece of paper. You may feel skeptical and uncomfortable at first, but soon you will notice positive effects.

Writing allows you to express all those thoughts and emotions that you keep deep inside and mull over. Once you have them written down, it’s like a record of the weight you carry in your soul. Not only will you feel much lighter, but you will also understand yourself better. Writing is a process of self-expression that helps you clarify your thoughts and feelings. It’s like a conversation with yourself where you can confess everything that burdens you without fear or shame.

It’s important to realize while writing that there is no reason to be ashamed of your feelings. A survey from the UK showed that 94% of people have felt lonely at some point, and 90% reported that this emotion had negative effects on their mental health. This means that you are not alone in this, and loneliness is a universal feeling.

3. Talk about your feelings with others

In addition to writing, sharing and verbalizing your feelings with your loved ones will also help. Not only will you feel less lonely after the conversation, but you will also realize that such feelings are familiar to them as well.

Sometimes the best remedy for such emotions is for someone to listen and understand. If you feel that you have no one to talk to, you can find someone on social media, or communities that allow the expression of experiences and feelings, and of course, I am here to listen and support you. (So don’t hesitate and just reach out to me.)

4, Focus on your goals

Once you realize that you can find something positive in every situation, you will feel the greatest change in your mindset. If you feel that you have distanced yourself from people, it is an opportunity to focus on your goals.

Shift your attention to personal and professional goals, as this will bring you a sense of progress, which is crucial for overcoming loneliness. Take responsibility for your life and step out of the cycle of short-term pleasures and laziness. Make decisions on how you will shine again and gather positive energy.

5. Exercise regularly

Physical activity is one of the best ways to overcome loneliness and other negative feelings because exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. You don’t have to become a fitness enthusiast to feel the benefits of exercise. It’s enough to be active every day. Join a gym, start attending yoga or Pilates classes, or simply go for daily walks or bike rides in nature.

Joining group exercise and sports activities is an excellent opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests. Even if you don’t become best friends, just the social interaction and feeling that you are not alone can be very beneficial.

6. Adopt a pet

If you are an animal lover and have the opportunity to adopt a pet, consider this step. Pets are incredible companions that can bring you immense joy and comfort. Not only will you feel unconditional love, but you might also open doors to new opportunities.

Besides providing you with support and companionship, a pet can help you meet new people. If you have a dog in mind, you might often meet other dog owners while walking your dog, leading to pleasant conversations and even friendships.

7. Don’t feel bad If you’ve left a relationship

Loneliness often occurs when we leave relationships, whether they are long-term friends who turned out to be wrong for us or a partner with whom we felt trapped. Although feelings of guilt and remorse may arise, it’s important to know that these emotional reactions are entirely natural and part of the healing process. You need to understand that managing loneliness after ending a relationship requires time and patience.

It’s important to allow yourself to feel and process your emotions. Don’t burden yourself with the idea that you need to get over it quickly and feel completely content again. Instead, permit yourself to focus on yourself. Set new goals, start new activities, or take up hobbies that you’ve always enjoyed but may have neglected.

While it may seem that loneliness is inevitable when leaving a relationship, it is an opportunity for personal growth and renewal. Over time, you will realize that life changes are part of the journey towards better understanding yourself and finding new, fulfilling connections. Give yourself time, be gentle with yourself, and believe that loneliness will eventually fade as you start building your new chapter in life.

8. Maintain a routine

Consistency should be your ally in battling loneliness. When you find yourself in a moment of loneliness, a structured daily schedule can help you avoid sinking into negative thoughts. By creating and maintaining routines, you will gain a sense of control and reduce the likelihood of feeling aimless.

Start with activities that bring you joy. You might want to include a morning routine with a walk, reading, creative projects, or simple tasks that make you happy. In the afternoon, you could do Pilates, go for a run, or visit a friend.

9. Try Something Completely New

Sometimes loneliness can become more challenging if we stick to our usual routines. One of the best solutions to overcome this feeling is to treat yourself to something new and exciting. Why not take the opportunity to go on a short trip or try something that has interested you for a long time?

You might enjoy visiting a zoo, exploring new spots in your city, or watching a comedy show that will bring you laughter and joy. Such activities can spark feelings of excitement, pride, and adrenaline, helping you shift your focus from loneliness to something positive and thrilling.

New experiences often fill us with energy and freshness, contributing to better well-being. Your body and mind will enjoy this new stimulation, helping you focus on beautiful moments instead of dwelling on thoughts of loneliness.