Loneliness is a strange beast. It attacks people of all ages, from all walks of life, in cities and small towns alike. And it can come upon you out of the blue —such as when you move from a busy big city to a quiet rural town, lose your job, or get divorced. No matter how old you are or your circumstances, you may only have isolated instances where loneliness has been near-unbearable. It can be incredibly overwhelming at first, which many people struggle with every day. However, there are ways to overcome this feeling and become more vibrant. Check out some tips below by Jonah Engler.
Jonah Engler‘s Ways to Feel Loved and Connected in a Disconnected World
Join a Support Group
A support group can be helpful if you are feeling isolated or alone at home with your children or family members. You will meet people who have been through similar experiences and understand what it is like to be alone. They will also help build your self-confidence as they see that you are making positive changes in your life — another great benefit of joining a support group.
Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter
Another great way to overcome loneliness suggested by Jonah Engler is volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. This will allow you to meet new people who share your values and beliefs about helping others in need. You will also be able to help these people by volunteering with them at the shelter or soup kitchen, which will make them feel better about themselves and their lives and make you feel better about yourself.
Seek Counseling
If you find yourself feeling lonely, consider seeing a counselor or therapist. Working through your feelings in therapy can help you understand why you feel this way and give you tools for dealing with your feelings.
Get Involved in Activities That Interest You
If you are not happy with your current situation, it is important to find new ways of doing things to make you feel more fulfilled in life. Join a club or take up a hobby that interests you. Try out something new — maybe even doing something adventurous like sky diving or skydiving.
Use Social Media
Social media is an easy way to connect with people who live far away from you or do not know you well enough for in-person interaction. Social media allows people who do not live in the same city or even the same country to keep up with each other’s lives and regularly connect.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, overcoming loneliness is about finding a healthy middle ground between isolation and over-engagement with others. The key is to be as active in your social circles as you can while still maintaining an air of detachment that allows you to prioritize your interests. Overcoming loneliness is a long process, and it cannot be done in a day, but these tips are a good step in the right direction.