Whether you’re a social butterfly, or a shy wallflower, you’re human and therefore wired for connection with others. After the pandemic many people found themselves feeling more alone than ever. And that isn’t good –a lack of personal connection can lead to emotional and physical problems like;
*Sleep issues
*Feeling stressed out
*Altered brain function
*Increased heart problems
*Higher stroke risk
8Poor decision making
*Memory problems
*Higher risk of substance abuse
It doesn’t take a pandemic to make you feel isolated. Personal events can make you feel disconnected, too.
Sarah Hightower, a licensed professional counselor recalls a moment of deep loneliness after a miscarriage several years ago. “I knew I wasn’t the only one who had experienced this, but in the moment, you can feel like the only one.”
As a therapist, Hightower tries to help clients realize that talking about loneliness is a good thing. “It can be a call to action,” she says. “Those feelings are a wakeup call to look at things in our lives that we can change.”
If you’re feeling lonely these days — maybe more than normal — here are some suggestions to get to the other side.
- Be kind to yourself. Your inner critic can feed feelings of loneliness. If you think you’re different from other people or that you don’t fit in, it can be harder to bond with others. You can get stuck in a loneliness rut. Recognize your thoughts and see them as a chance to make some changes. Recognizing that you’re out of sorts can be a sign that you may need more time with friends and family/
- Be kind to others. Taking time out of your schedule to help others can be a great help. Experts like David Cates, PhD of Behavorial Health at Nebraska Medicine notes the decline in social networks that can result from things like smaller family sizes, an increase in social media, families living farther apart, having fewer bonds with volunteer and religious groups.
- Get Outside. Spending time in nature can raise your mood. There is quite a bit of research that shows being out in nature can help people with loneliness. Take a scenic drive. Walk at the park. Take a day off from work or family duties and enjoy a day at a beach, lake, or a trail.
- Reconnect with Others. You don’t need a cast of thousands to stop feeling lonely. Experts say that having a few close friends can make a big difference. Start with a phone call and then consider meeting for a cup of coffee.
- Move Your Body. Moving has a host benefits, including helping you beat the blues of loneliness. Try dance, yoga, going for a walk, or an exercise group. Studies show moderate exercise where you breathe heavier than normal and get a little warm — can have great benefits.
- Use Social Media Wisely. Hopping onto social media can help you feel connected. But too much time online can lead to loneliness. “Social media can sometimes trick your mind into thinking you’re making real connections when your not,” says Adam Brown, PhD, from the New School for Social Research. Instead says Dr. Brown, makes connections with real people that go beyond likes and comments.
- Learn To Cherish Alone Time. It may sound strange, but spending time alone can help if you feel lonely. Dr Cates says, “It’s important to distinguish between loneliness and social isolationism. Loneliness is subjective. There are people who are fairly isolated who aren’t lonely and others who are around a lot of people with a deep sense of loneliness. Spending time with yourself can help you feel recharged; bringing greater clarity and focus, and boost creativity. It can also help you with your relationships, as spending quality time with yourself can help you appreciate your time with others. As with anything, balance is the key.
Loneliness doesn’t have to be a constant in your life. Making a few changes can return the joy, connection, and friendships that are waiting around the corner.
Brought to you by; The Kingdom Partnership. www.thekingdompartnership.us
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