Feeling lonely - Tips

Sometimes loneliness is the result of avoiding difficult situations. Out of fear to experience something unpleasant, we avoid difficult situations.

The first step out of loneliness could be to develop courage to learn to do what is difficult for you. You don't manage alone? Ask for guidance!

Stop looking at Facebook in lonely moments.

It's all very easy to connect on Facebook. Friends and acquaintances share photo's of parties, holidays, nice days out. All the nice aspects of their lives are shared.

The difficult parts are there, but you don't get to see them. This way you get a distorted image of the truth.

And when you don't feel well, that nice image of others doesn't help you. It can create jealousy or make you feel even more lonely. So: don't look at Facebook when you feel lonely!

When you feel lonely, try out to comfort yourself. Be loving to yourself, for example by treating yourself with a good book, a warm bath, or listening to beautiful music.

Otherwise it helps to write down your lonely feelings or call a friend to share about it how you feel.

Loneliness is difficult, it can be so painful and raw.
Strangely, I have experienced being surrounded by people but still feel the loneliest person in the world. For some this is ok/ acceptable but for others there is a need to be with others to feel content. I'm always reminded of human beings as social animals and historically coming from pack identity with a strong drive to be part of something wider and belonging.
Stay away from social media as it really doesn't help the situation. It give the impression unless you are part of a group there is something wrong.
When realistically there is nothing wrong with being alone and often its
a case of finding the right balance of alone time and time with others.

My tip would be think about your situation and what feelings come up for you? It would be useful to talk about the meaning behind this.
A counsellor would be completely non-judgement and empathize with your situation. This in itself will give you perspective and help you think about the future and if there are any changes you might want to make.

Do not escape your loneliness by using alcohol or drugs. It may seem like a way out and it might seem to make you more relaxed, but it's not.

Moreover, you might create an extra (addiction) problem by using alcohol and/or drugs.

Also emotional eating is not a solution.

Engage in social activities.

Look on the internet for possibilities. There are a lot of activities and things to do.

But you can also check out voluntary work or find a nice hobby, club or society where you can spend time with other people.

Are your feeling lonely and could you use some support?
A therapist or counsellor can help you.

Develop a sense of gratitude. Make a list of things / people you are grateful for in your life.

Listen to happy, uplifting music, and dance and smile.

List activities you used to enjoy or always wished you'd taken up. Be brave and do them, why not?