We often think of loneliness as something that only affects older people. After all, that’s the stereotype. You see an elderly person in a care home, and you assume they must be dealing with loneliness.
But did you know loneliness affects many people, regardless of age, sex, race, or background?
Whether you’re young and full of vigor, or older and feeling worse-for-the-wear, there are many things you can do to beat these feelings.
Here are seven ways to erase that loneliness once and for all!
1. Get Active Online
While too much dependence on digital products can be a problem, today’s technologies also offer numerous opportunities. With a quick internet search, a smartphone, or a little tech guidance, you can access all kinds of online communities.
All it takes is an internet connection! So… find groups that meet your interest. Do you like certain genres of books? Passionate about sports? How about gardening, cooking or home crafts?
Do you have a certain health condition? Whatever your interest, get online and find the support, companionship, and friendship you didn’t know you were missing!
2. Come Together
Getting together is great for mental health, whether it’s an unplanned, last-minute hangout, or some vacation you’ve been wanting your entire life. Friends, family, strangers – you name it.
So plan a get-together. Summertime is the perfect time to have fun and get engaged. Have a cookout, go to a game night, see a movie. Join a club or recreational league. Whatever you do, strengthen bonds, build new relationships, and get that much-needed feeling of belonging!
3. Volunteer Service
There’s just something about helping those less fortunate that makes us feel better. It could be a soup kitchen, a charity run, a hospital volunteership, or something completely different. The reason it feels good is because you’re doing good.
Not only do you get to see the smiles on others’ faces, knowing you’re making a difference, but sometimes it’s good to have a reminder that our own personal troubles and issues might not be that big of a deal compared to others.
4. Workshops & Education
Research shows that lifelong learning helps to preserve our cognitive abilities, improve our moods, and keep us more social. Want to learn a new hobby? Have you been putting off something you’ve always wanted to try?
Whatever it is that floats your boat, go find it. The structured environment of classes and workshops will keep you stimulated while giving you plenty of new people to meet. Make it consistent and find your purpose – you got this!
RELATED: The Hidden Health Risks Of Loneliness
5. Clubs & Groups
Similar to workshops and classes, clubs and groups provide that much-needed stimulation and socialization. Engage in activities you’ve always loved or find an interest you didn’t know you had! The beauty of such engagements is that they give you something to regularly look forward to, and are a great way to share your passions with others.
What’s not to love about that?
6. Faith-Based Organizations
Sometimes, we just need to get on our knees and pray. If you find faith holding a central role in your life, you’re not alone. Countless religious and faith-based organizations are out there waiting! Want to get involved with your local church? Looking for emotional support to deal with struggle?
Whether it’s social events, study groups, or volunteering, faith plays a central role. You can always look online for local chapters of larger organizations as well.
RELATED: Alone or Lonely: When Solitude Becomes Unhealthy
7. Exertion!
It doesn’t matter what age, what health condition, or what background you have in physical activity – some level of activity is always good for you. It can be something strenuous like running a triathlon or something as soothing as stretching or yoga.
Exercise is great for improving the chemicals in your brain as well, which will help you feel better about everything – not just loneliness.
You can also always join groups with people at your skill level, so you can have peers to push you!
At the end of the day, avoiding loneliness is about finding reasons to get out and be around other people. While we may all feel alone or lonely at times, this doesn’t have to be a permanent state. Rather than wallow in self-pity and feel like you’re never going to get out of your funk, force yourself to.
All it takes is that first step, a little momentum, and before you realize it, you’re not even thinking about what made you feel lonely.
In today’s interconnected world, there are countless ways to get engaged. Don’t let it all overwhelm you. If you’re feeling lonely, start slow and take small steps. One after another is all you need. It won’t take long before you’re enriching your life and finding that renewed sense of purpose and meaning!
