Sometimes during this time of year it is easy for the feeling of loneliness to overtake us. The Holidays have passed, family has all gone back home to their day-to-day lives and on top of all that, the weather is gloomy and cold. Has this feeling ever crept up on you? Loneliness in some form, happens to all of us at some point in our lives. It happens to different degrees and for different reasons, but it happens. There is a big difference between being alone and feeling lonely. If you are nodding your head as you read this, than I suspect, you’ve experienced both. I thought it would be a great time to share some ways to combat this awful feeling since my personal goal this year is to keep that holiday cheer and inner happy glow burning bright. Loneliness is a feeling that can creep up and extinguish that beautiful glow inside of us if we are not standing guard over it and making the most of the days, week, and months as they pass by. Here are a few tips from myself and a few others out there in internet land.
Be aware of yourself – pay attention to your moods and feelings. Don’t go too long without a quick gut check. Are you happy, sad, bored, or restless? Staying on top of your feelings can help to keep the ugly ones at bay. When we find ourselves getting a bit down, don’t wait to change our situation, be proactive and jump start your emotions into a happier phase
Write it down – journal, be creative, and be expressive. Sometimes, there is a good reason for the lonely feeling and we just need to work through it. Keeping a journal is a great way to work through our emotions and understand them rather than let them mill around and rent space in our head.
Look for like-minded people – If you are feeling alone vs. lonely, it’s time to find people you have things in common with and get active. Start talking, texting, e-mailing and fill your schedule or time with conversations and activities.
Make your current bonds even stronger – Reach out to your friends and families. Learn more about them and let them learn about you. Make a lunch date with an old friend, go for a road trip to visit a cousin, or plan to go shopping or see a movie with a sibling.
Be aware of your health – don’t let the cold weather get to you and don’t let feeling down lead to not eating or sleeping well. At the first sign of a health change, again, be proactive. Fight back with a change in your lifestyle. Start taking walks, work out at home to a you-tube video, plan meals or try new recipes to find enjoyment in eating rather than feeling like food doesn’t taste good. Eat smaller meals rather than one large one if you aren’t in the mood to eat.
Set goals to get involved, set a schedule, volunteer, and get involved in your community. Use your resources. Read the happenings on the bulletin board of a local coffee shop. Take a class at a DIY store or craft store. Take time to learn a new skill or hobby.
Surround yourself with things that provoke positivity. (Humorous feeds on social media, comedy on television or movies, Art with positive slogans in it). I can tell you, I have even gone the distance of writing my self notes and leaving them around the house from time to time.
Just to be clear, I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist or hold any medical degree whatsoever. I am just a lady who has felt lonely a time too many and wants to share how I manage to get through a few dark days in hopes that you can do the same. If you are feeling overwhelming sadness or significant loss of interest in life, please seek professional help or reach out to someone. This is just a blog to offer suggestions and a virtual hug for those who need one. Sometimes, it’s nice to know that others have been there, and made it through dark days so you can too. As always, have a happy day. ~ Mrs. Go to Girl