Loneliness is a surprisingly common issue in our culture today.
According to this new study, 3 out of every 5 Americans are lonely! The survey stated that “loneliness is now at epidemic levels.”
It is very possible that you could be one of these lonely people.
Do you feel left out or misunderstood?
Perhaps you lack good-quality friends and relationships?
Maybe you are surrounded by people who appear to be having a happy and fulfilling life! But you feel disconnected, hollow, and deeply alone.
Perhaps your loneliness is rooted in past emotional and psychological trauma. (In this case, the best thing you can do is see a professional mental health counselor/therapist.)
If you are like most people, you’ve become really good at putting up a happy facade! Just know you are not alone in this. Remember, over 50% of Americans say they suffer from loneliness.
Regardless of what is causing this unhappy season of your life, there is a solution.
We serve a mighty God who can bring change into your life like no one else! We are blessed to live in the day of modern medicine, where your mental and physical health is better understood and taken seriously!
Below are 9 tips to help you to stop feeling so lonely and isolated.
1.) Learn a new skill or take a class/course
What is something you’ve always been interested in doing/learning, but never got around to?
Nutrition, yoga, public speaking, cooking, music, managing your personal finances, skincare, another language, dance, fitness, basic coding/programming, animal training, DIY projects, painting, etc.
Skies the limits!
Studies have been done on this topic for years. Learning new skills can improve your mental wellbeing by making you feel more connected with others, boost your self-confidence, and give you a sense of purpose.
God created our minds to crave learning! Continued learning is highly encouraged if you want to keep an active and healthy mind.
2.) Tell Your trusted friend(s)/family how you feel
You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit that you feel lonely or isolated.
The Bible is full of examples of people who wept and cried out to God because they felt so alone!
Psalm 25: 16-17 “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.”
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who struggles with lonliness. But once you open up about yours, you will find that many others feel the exact same way!
This is one reason it is so important to reach out for a “sense of community” and “real connection” with your friends/family.
A weekly phone call, inviting someone over to your home, meeting up for a coffee date, or going for a walk together can really help you get out of your “lonely slump”.
3.) Take Some Time Away From Social Media
You may struggle with feeling “disconnected” for the first week or two, but your mental clarity will improve! You will actually feel more creative, happy, inspired.
