Feeling lonely is a normal part of life. From time to time, we might crave connection with other people but not be getting it. Why?
- Life circumstances can make it harder to schedule social activities.
- It’s possible that you’ve moved recently, or are temporarily living far away from friends and family.
- People we care about can be wrapped up in their own lives at certain points, with not a lot of time to spare.
- Illness or injury can limit our movement or keep us confined to one place more than we would like.
- We could be working many long hours, and/or attending classes.
- The phase of life we’re currently in could make it difficult to have a social life.
The worst part about lonely feelings is they can really grab hold and make you feel doubtful about yourself. We might trick ourselves into believing that we are boring, uninteresting, or that we don’t fit in somehow.
Please remember that even if you don’t have a lot of people around you right now, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t liked and loved as a person.
What can you do if lonely feelings are taking their toll on your self-esteem, or affecting your mental health?
- Pull yourself out of it. Remember that you’re a great person.
- Create a positive visualization. Think about great times you’ve had with friends. Think of all the people you’d like to see, and all the fun and meaningful things you could be doing with them.
- Get out of the victim mindset. This is where we imagine that others are acting against our best interest on purpose.
- Put a plan into action. Reach out to friends and family and set a time/date to be with them, doing something you and they enjoy.
- If you are unable to physically be around other people for whatever reason, come up with an alternate plan to connect virtually. Things you can do: create an Old Friends Facebook group. Write a nice letter to catch up a dear friend about your life.
- Activities you can do to feel less lonely: Make a picture collage of memories. Journal your special memories and moments you’ve shared with people you care about. Fill your heart with those fond reflections so you will begin to attract more of this into your life.
- Limit time spent with negative people. Make a plan to slowly or not so slowly reduce or eliminate their emotional hold on you that is making you feel unlovable.
- Find ways to nourish your spirit and psyche at this time. Solitary periods can be filled with peaceful reflection and gentle care for ourselves, that leads to healing and inner growth.
- If you’re really having a hard time moving past feelings of loneliness, reach out to a therapist or counselor.
- Work on journaling activities to help you ovecome your emotions so you can move into a healthier state of mind, and make positive changes.
Coping With and Overcoming Loneliness: Workbook with Journaling Exercises
Get to the root of your lonely feelings, and work on a positive change.
Our Loneliness Workbook serves as a self-coaching tool meant to support you in your life challenges for a brighter outlook and better mental health. Affordably priced and a great substitute for pricy life coaching hours.
Learn About the Overcoming Loneliness Workbook, and order here.
