We are all familiar with loneliness. For many people, feeling isolated can be a very heavy emotion, as they have nobody to talk to.
According to statistics, one in five people in the US is affected by daily loneliness.
If you’re also suffering from long-term feelings of isolation and social withdrawal, don’t be afraid.
Here are some effective ways to combat these negative feelings and build strong connections with people.
1. Try to be Comfortable on Your Own
This is much easier said than done, but if you constantly depend on others for happiness, you’ll feel even more lonely when they’re not around.
Try to understand that even if you have dozens of friends, you will still feel lonely at times.
For many people, feeling low and anxious, even among close friends, can be a sign of low self-esteem. Therefore, once you try to mend your relationship with yourself and learn to do exciting things on your own, you’ll soon notice improvements.
For example, you can start by defining what happiness means to you. It can be something simple, such as indulging in a spa day or curling up on the sofa and watching television.
Try to figure out activities that you enjoy doing alone to better understand self-happiness.
2. Schedule a Specific Time to Connect with Others
Many people suffering from social isolation find schedules quite comforting. If this works for you, try scheduling an hour every day or a couple of hours every week to stay connected to someone you love.
For example, you can get together with a group of close friends or neighbors every weekend to play indoor games or participate in fun activities. This tip focuses on the power of nurturing existing relationships or thriving on new connections.
Even if you see that you’re not able to physically meet someone, you can always schedule a phone or video call session with people who love you. Think of people who are already in your network or ones you’d like to get to know better.
Alternatively, you can also check out virtual social groups or social media clubs.
3. Consult a Professional
Unfortunately, feelings of isolation and low self-worth can sometimes linger for many weeks, if not months.
For people who might be suffering from depression, social withdrawal, or anxiety, professional counseling can be of great help.
You can even enroll yourself in a rehab center where you’ll participate in group activities and support group sessions. For example, professional counselors in rehab in Malibu may offer specialized support activities based on your personal history.
If you’ve been suffering from depression, PTSD, or any other mental health problem, you’ll receive a personalized treatment regime. Rehab centers are also a great way of connecting with strangers who suffer from the same problems as you.
4. Work on Your Communication Skills
Sometimes, isolation can be caused by simple reasons, like not being able to communicate with people you want to talk to.
You might also have a few friends or family members who are natural social butterflies. No matter where they go, they seem to strike up lively conversations with almost anyone.
This can make you feel even more conscious of how you present yourself in front of people.
So, try to build your social skills by working on your communication and speaking skills. By doing so, you’ll not only feel more confident about your communication skills, but you’ll also notice a significant improvement in social gatherings.
Don’t pressure yourself to say something funny or witty all the time, and ask open-ended questions to move the conversation forward.
5. Open Up to Someone You Trust
You might feel that you know a lot of people, but you can’t form a meaningful connection with any of them. Or perhaps you might think that your friends and loved ones can’t seem to give you the love and attention you need.
If this is how you feel all the time, you can try opening up to someone you trust, such as your closest friend, sibling, or even a colleague. Even if you can’t speak to them face-to-face, you can always drop them a text and let out your feelings.
In most cases, this person will listen to you and understand your perspective. You might even realize that this person may have gone through the same hurdles as you. Many of us have experienced loneliness but may not have been able to speak up about it.
6. Manage Your Social Energy Wisely
Introverts and people who feel uncomfortable in social situations may feel drained after interacting with people for a few hours. It’s important to understand specific situations where you feel your energy might get drained.
However, not socializing may increase your feelings of loneliness and isolation, along with feelings of missing out on fun and enjoyment.
Before you commit to any plan, think about whether you’ll truly enjoy being with the people involved.
Remember, you don’t need to fill your calendar with brunch dates and movie outings every day just to fit in with your friends.
Also, make sure you schedule time to indulge in a solo activity to recharge your social battery. Wind down after a long day of interacting with people, and make sure you’re refreshed enough for the next day.
7. Leverage the Internet
The internet is a wonderful place to make new friends and get to know new people. You can easily find new ways to stay connected to people not just physically close to you but also to people who might be living on the other side of the world.
Connecting online with people can be an especially useful tool if you feel overwhelmed at the thought of suddenly going out and trying to interact with a bunch of people all at once.
If these thoughts feel too overwhelming, take small steps and sign up on a social media platform to make friends. You might feel that it’s just you struggling to interact with people, but in reality, many others like you want to reach out to other introverts. However, remember to use social media wisely and safely.
Conclusion
If you’ve been feeling lonely or misunderstood for a long time, it’s important to take care of your physical and mental health. Don’t force yourself into uncomfortable situations, and start by taking small steps.
