{"id":1578,"date":"2018-12-02T17:54:20","date_gmt":"2018-12-02T17:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/?p=1578"},"modified":"2021-09-19T16:57:10","modified_gmt":"2021-09-19T16:57:10","slug":"how-to-deal-with-loneliness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/how-to-deal-with-loneliness\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Deal With Loneliness: A Simple Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
Do you have close friends and loved ones and yet still not know how to deal with loneliness?<\/p>\n
The aching, gnawing feeling, that despite the close proximity of other humans, you don\u2019t have the emotional connection you need\u2026<\/p>\n
We\u2019re a social species after all. From an evolutionary perspective, we\u2019ve come to rely on each other, not just for physical backup, but for psychological support too.<\/p>\n
In such a hyperconnected world, it\u2019s curious that in many ways we\u2019ve grown more distant, to the point that social isolation has become a significant issue.<\/p>\n
And even though loneliness may be invisible for its sufferers, its effects are serious. Research shows that the condition can be as detrimental to health as obesity and cigarette smoking<\/a>.<\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll look at how to deal with the symptoms by getting back to basics. But first, what does loneliness mean to you?<\/p>\n You can\u2019t address something until you know what it is. So, according to our chums at Wikipedia<\/a>,<\/p>\n \u201cLoneliness is a complex and unusually unpleasant emotional response to isolation.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Call me captain obvious, but it helps to clarify. Definitions done, let’s see how we can combat the symptoms.<\/p>\n Loneliness is a feeling, not an objective fact.<\/p>\n Much of the time we attribute our emotional states to the absolute truth. Instead, we have to remember that we\u2019re not our thoughts.<\/p>\n When we’re caught in the throes of our mind’s dastardly negativity vortex and struggle to escape, it can be hard to remember.<\/p>\n Whatever your current situation, it\u2019s your perspective that determines your response and ultimate mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n Change your thoughts about a situation and you change your reality.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll talk more about a powerful technique to do this shortly.<\/p>\n Are there particular times you feel prone to loneliness?<\/p>\n As with any other emotion, there may be certain triggers which elicit these feelings.<\/p>\n Is it when you\u2019re at home, alone, or perhaps when you\u2019ve had an argument with a loved one?<\/p>\n Perhaps you wonder why you feel lonely even if you’re in a relationship…<\/p>\n Figuring out why you feel lonely is an essential first step\u00a0in\u00a0identifying a solution.<\/p>\n Only when you’ve diagnosed the issue can you treat the condition.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve surely banged on about meditation enough in my digital ramblings to make you realise it’s pretty amazing.<\/p>\n Meditation allows you to gain clarify your thoughts, and see them for what they are; a mere illusion.<\/p>\n It allows us to take a detached look at what\u2019s going on inside our crazy little skulls from moment to moment when we\u2019re not subjecting ourselves to every scrap of distraction going.<\/p>\n Becoming the observer of our thoughts helps us put our loneliness into context and gives us the space to put practical strategies in place for addressing any feelings of social isolation.<\/p>\n This really is a superpower when used correctly and the difference between strong emotional health or becoming a slave to your thoughts.<\/p>\n Reframing is a common technique used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy<\/a> and like meditation, it teaches you that to your thoughts are not the absolute truth.<\/p>\n You might feel lonely now, but how can you reframe those feelings in a positive light?<\/p>\n When I\u2019m struggling psychologically, I\u2019ll often emphasise how good it’ll feel to embrace the feelings as a challenge and how I\u2019ll grow as a result.<\/p>\n This not only builds mental resilience but also give me added motivation to find actionable strategies moving forward.<\/p>\n The ancient stoic philosophers<\/a> taught us of the importance of focusing on what\u2019s in a control and disregarding the rest.<\/p>\n This can be an empowering mental stance.<\/p>\n If you’ve analysed your\u00a0emotional triggers, you should have some idea of what’s causing your feelings and whether those stimuli are within your control.<\/p>\n Are you feeling lonely because your relationship has ended or you’ve lost a loved one for example? Can you do anything about it, or is it time to move on?<\/p>\n Often we’re so busy obsessing over the past or future events that we don’t stop to think that we may have little influence on proceedings.<\/p>\n Bringing things back within your locus of control means you focus on what you can do right now, in the present moment, to improve your situation.<\/p>\n That may be a simple as calling a friend or even sending a message to a loved one.<\/p>\n It\u2019s often tough to go beyond stock responses when people ask how we are. But if you reply honestly, a closer connection can emerge.<\/p>\n As the recipient of an honest response on a few occasions, it\u2019s actually quite liberating to hear,<\/p>\n “No actually, I\u2019m not doing ok.”\u00a0Said no-one, ever.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n We\u2019re wired, after all, to be there for our brethren. And when someone you know is suffering, your immediate response is to help, even if it\u2019s just by listening.<\/p>\n So the next time you\u2019re with a\u00a0confidante, try opening up a bit. I hate to use this hackneyed self-help word, but be a bit more vulnerable and see where it takes you.<\/p>\n Since we\u2019ve been taught that we\u2019re all unique little snowflakes, it\u2019s easy to become self-absorbed.<\/p>\n The fact is, with the utopian technological development that\u2019s put a tablet in the hands of every child, our community has grown weaker.<\/p>\n Our basic needs on Maslow’s hierarchy have been met, so we begin to focus inwards, on how to make our lives even more peaches and cream.<\/p>\n But while it\u2019s always good to grow, this new found focus on the “cult of me” can teeter dangerously on the precipice of narcissism.<\/p>\n Want to know how to deal with loneliness?<\/p>\n Get out of your own head and focus on helping those around you. Volunteering is great.<\/p>\n Human connection and lifting others up helps releases a nice little dose of oxytocin, a feel-good chemical that\u2019s ideal for enhancing empathy and communication<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat Is Loneliness?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Deal With Loneliness<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Recognise Loneliness as a Feeling<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Analyse Your Emotional Triggers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Begin Meditating<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Reframe the Situation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Realise That You’re in Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Talk to Someone You Trust<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Help Others<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Find Meetups<\/strong><\/h3>\n