Lonely or isolated?
Are You Feeling Lonely or Isolated?
Do you feel lonely and isolated? Now more than ever we are being challenged by the environment we live in and how we go about living our daily lives. In this blog, I’m going to explore this topic in more detail, and I will share 3 Golden Nuggets to help you improve your life straightaway:
- Small talk
- Once a week challenge
- Daily creative
Only recently and on two separate occasions, two of my friends broke down in tears because they were struggling to live with isolation and loneliness. They are seeing less people, including their colleagues, as they have been working from home for the past 7 months. They were missing their friends, due to fewer social gatherings and general get togethers.
I can resonate with these feelings of isolation and loneliness. I struggled with these feelings for many years, until I discovered strategies that helped me to create stability and balance in my life, and shrug off the darkness of anxiety and depression.
Loneliness and isolation can be defined as feeling alone or separate from others, or as feeling empty. Loneliness may also be felt through social isolation, but can also be caused by other things:
- Break-ups
- Divorce
- Moving to a new location
- The passing of a close friend or a loved one
- Low self-esteem
- Lacking in confidence
Social isolation is where we experience physical separation from other people, like living alone. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. It is possible to feel lonely whilst among other people, and yet you can be alone and not feel lonely.
Social isolation has negative impacts on mental health, as well as our physical health. Research shows that perceived social isolation and loneliness are:
- Leading to depression
- Causing cognitive decline
- Increasing poor sleep quality
- Increasing anxiety levels
- Resulting in a weaker immune system
- Increasing potential heart problems
- Increasing the risk of substance abuse
The truth is, you can feel lonely anywhere, at any time, no matter how many people are physically around you. But if you’re sick of feeling solo and are keen to get connected, I have 3 Golden Nuggets to share with you to help make that happen.
Golden Nuggets
1. Small Talk
Small talk is often considered a waste of time by some, but it’s actually a useful way to break the ice as a conversation starter, and who knows where it might lead? It can feel a bit awkward at first, but these small interactions can help you feel less alone and isolated.
Top Tip
Make the effort to make small talk with a stranger, on public transport, in the supermarket or even by sending a text to a friend. You will feel so much more connected to others when you do this.
2. Once a week challenge
Go online, whether on email or by connecting in groups and forums with other likeminded people. This interaction and online chatting is a great way to battle your loneliness. With a little searching, you will uncover an online haven of people with similar interests that spark conversations. And if you’re feeling brave, you could step up as a leader and start one yourself; you never know who’s out there waiting for someone to take that first courageous step and be a beacon of light for others.
Top Tip
So, I want to challenge you by suggesting you do this at least once a week. Plan at least one regular social interaction and organise your time around it, so you don’t forget. You will be breaking down those walls that you may feel are currently closing in on you.
3. Daily Creative
Writing or journaling is a great way to battle loneliness. This helps you to process your emotions, so you can get a clearer idea of where your head’s at and how to deal with any feelings of isolation.
Top Tip
Let yourself flow creatively. Scribble in a notebook, treat yourself to writing materials, such as journals and coloured and fun pens. Don’t apply any judgement; just let it flow but get into the practice of doing this daily. Enjoy the process and make it fun – you could even write down meaningful quotes or song lyrics, or just jot down whatever’s on your mind.
So, let’s summarise those golden nuggets again:
- Small talk
- Once a week challenge
- Daily creative
Get some support
If you’ve given these Golden Nuggets a go and you’re still feeling lonely, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. You could consider working with a coach to overcome your negative emotions and change your mindset. Or your GP can set you up with a mental health plan that will help you to access counselling or visit a psychologist. It’s okay to get the support you need.
Remember, everyone has times when they feel lonely. Taking the few steps above can help reduce your isolation and should help you to start feeling better.
If you have found this blog useful, then please share this with anyone you know who would also benefit to help them along their journey in life.
Thank you for joining me and I look forward to seeing you again next week for Pura Vida Your Life Happenings for insight, inspiration and more golden nuggets to help you live a happier and fulfilled life.
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