The world’s population exceeds seven billion people, yet there is still a loneliness crisis and anxiety. Isn’t that the opposite of what you’d expect? Loneliness and anxiety in the western world for example in England are increasing at such an alarming rate, the United Kingdom formed a Minister of Loneliness a few years ago. This global health issue of loneliness is as serious as obesity, substance addiction, and excessive smoking. People, who have minimal interpersonal contact are more likely to grow ill, experience cognitive decline, and die young. Surprisingly, young Millennial between the age of 18 and 22 according to report are said to be the loneliest which is very sad indeed. Imagine the effect of this in the future of the economy. Loneliness is a “silent destruction” says Experts. In this article, I would like to provide you some tips and advice on how to deal with loneliness.
What does it mean to be lonely?
While most people associate loneliness with being alone or in a state of solitude, loneliness is primarily a mental state. Loneliness makes people feel empty, alone, and unwanted. Lonely people crave human interaction, yet their mental state could make it more difficult for them to form partnerships.
Loneliness has been linked to social isolation, poor social skills, introversion, and depression, according to studies.
Many experts believe that loneliness isn’t always about being alone. Instead, if you feel alone and isolated, loneliness has a role in your mental condition.
What are the Health Consequences Loneliness can cause?
Loneliness has a wide range of harmful physical and mental health consequences, including:
- Misuse of alcohol and drugs
- Changes in brain function
- The progression of Alzheimer’s illness
- Antisocial behaviour is the opposite of social behaviour.
- Stroke and heart disease
- Memory and learning skills are deteriorating.
- Suicide and depression
- Stress levels increase.
- Ineffective decision-making
How to Deal with Loneliness
What can you do to alleviate loneliness stress and improve your quality of life, even if you’re physically distant from loved ones?
- Keep in mind that you aren’t alone in your loneliness
When you know that you are not alone in feeling lonely, might be comforting to you. Everyone has experienced loneliness at some point in their lives. Although it may be difficult for you to talk about, loneliness is not anything to be ashamed of. Just take the right step and kick back at your feet.
Allow Others to Assist You While You Assist Others
Humans are sociable creatures with a strong urge to interact. We are connected and it offers internal reward doing something for others no matter how little it is. You are reminded of your ideals and purpose when you serve others in meaningful ways. Putting your attention on someone else who requires assistance makes you feel less alone and more meaningful. Sending a greeting card, shopping for a sick neighbour, working at a soup kitchen, calling a lonely widow, or smiling at a stranger can all help you forget about your loneliness. It is good to think about we instead of me, have a mindset to understand that no matter the situation you are in, there are people who are in worst situation than you, appreciating your situation and try to make positive thing out of your situation would go along way.
Rekindle Your Relationship with Yourself by Embracing Your Solitude
You are more likely to make better decisions about people you want to be around if you take the time to understand yourself, what you want in life, and your beliefs. Which is really about self-awareness and personal responsibility. Turn on some music, light a scented candle, and reflect on the qualities you admire in yourself and others while you’re alone. This is an excellent time to begin journaling, meditating, praying, learning a musical instrument, or learning a new language and new skills.
Self-Care is important.
A rigid plan for daily hygiene, aerobic exercise, preparing healthy meals to be shared experiences with other crew members, and setting a sleeping regimen that provides appropriate sleep are some of NASA’s recommendations for astronauts to avoid loneliness. Adopting a pet has been reported to get individuals up and exercising every day. You could take your pet for a walk or join pet club.
Having an Attitude of Gratitude
When you’re lonely, it drains your vitality and makes the world around you look bleak and empty. Change your perspective to one of thankfulness. Consider the discoveries, systems, and technologies that have been made in the last 30 years. You can now communicate with individuals all over the world in real time. Soldiers who are stationed away from home can Face-time, play online games, and even assist their children with their homework. Stores, pharmacies, and restaurants offer same-day home deliveries 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Recent technological advancements have made it simple to revive old friendships and form new ones. This is something to be proud of. If you live in the developed world where there is 24-hour power supply and steady water coming from the tap in your accommodation you are privileged as some people don’t have this.
Don’t Allow Your Loneliness to Consume You
Make the feeling of being a victim of loneliness a thing of the past. When a buddy was lonely, she said she was going to watch the saddest movie she could find and cry for two hours. She was taken aback when, rather of continuing to offer her compassion, I suggested, “Why don’t you choose the funniest movie you can and laugh for two hours?”. Humor gets you out of your head any disturbing thought. Release the fear that is holding you back.
Keep Memories of Loved Ones near You
Surround yourself with photos and emotional items that remind you of wonderful memories and loved ones. Personal keepsakes can help astronauts, warriors, and others who travel vast distances feel less lonely, bringing smiles to their faces and comfort to their hearts.
Limit the amount of time you spend on social media.
Social media can help us to connect with people at the same token many studies suggest that comparing one’s life to everyone else’s meticulously choreographed version can lead to feelings of melancholy, inadequacy, and isolation, fear of missing out (FOMO), is a new social media phenomenon in which people feel left out of something exciting that is taking place. They feel neglected and abandoned as a result. If you need a real friend, Oxford University discovered that out of 150 Facebook friends, you can rely on only four on average.
Keep up to date on future events.
Another key approach to avoid loneliness is to be informed about upcoming events and programs aimed at educating the community or individuals about loneliness. We have a variety of activities taking place all over the world that focus on loneliness. The Mental Health Foundation organizes a popular event called MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK in the United Kingdom. This year’s event will take place from May 15 to 21 2023 with focus on anxiety. If you are in the UK, you may connect with them and learn more about ways to avoid loneliness; if you are not, you can connect with them via their website or social media channels.
If you believe your loneliness is growing into depression despite doing the steps outlined above to assist you get back on your feet, please seek professional help. The earlier you do the better, you don’t have to be an inland, knowledge is power and with right information and right action your loneliness situation would be a thing of the past. You can like and share this post in order to assist someone who is lonely. You can also subscribe to the blog to receive updates on health-related content as well as information about Mental Health Awareness Week.
