We’ve all felt lonely from time to time. In fact, loneliness affects around 1 in 3 adults. It’s natural to feel lonely at different points in our lives and with the pandemic a very real part of all of our lives, being physically isolated can make this situation even more challenging.
Here are some practical ways to start tackling those feelings of loneliness.
1. Make contact with others 📞 💬
When you’re feeling lonely, you can doubt yourself, feel anxious socially, or become unmotivated and want to be on your own. It’s almost counterintuitive to interact with others, but that’s exactly what you need to do.
Call an old friend or set up a video call with some family. Getting weekly catch-ups in the diary is a great way to connect, especially in periods of lockdown. Technology allows us to make contact with others, but don't count on social media to be your only outlet. Make your contact one-to-one and personal, it'll mean so much more to both of you.
2. Get active 🚶🏊♀️🚴♀️
Exercise is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for improving mood and reducing mental health symptoms including loneliness. Exercise induces the "feel good' hormones called endorphins and helps to reduce the levels of cortisol and adrenaline in the body, both of these chemicals in high doses can cause stress.
If the thought of exercise seems daunting, don't despair. Even just a few minutes of physical activity are better than none at all. Start with 5 or 10 minute sessions and slowly increase over time. If you can, exercise outside - a good walk around your neighbourhood on a sunny day is a great mood booster and you might even get a few hello's from fellow walkers.
3. Get creative 🎭 🎨 🧶 ✂️
Being creative is quite useful for our mental and physical wellbeing. It could be drawing, painting, writing, dancing or making music. Many studies suggest that creativity helps manage emotions such as loneliness.
4. Write it down
Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you process your emotions and get a clearer perspective. Whether it’s scribbling thoughts in a notebook, jotting down lyrics, or typing on your computer, writing is a useful way to deal with feelings of isolation.
For more information on how to help manage feelings of isolation and loneliness, we've also included a list of links to trustworthy resources:
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime, in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Image credit: Stefan Spassov on Unsplash
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.