6 Helpful Actions to Take When the Feeling of Loneliness Creeps Up on You!



6 Helpful Actions to Take When the Feeling of Loneliness Creeps Up on You!


Loneliness is a feeling that us college students know all too well. Whether that be missing home, missing our family and friends, or even getting out of a bad break up and missing companionship. The feeling of being lonely is very normal, however, here are 6 helpful things to try when that isolated feeling creeps up on you.


    1. Don’t blame yourself in any way, shape, or form. - Do not blame yourself for how you are feeling, this will only create more negative emotions. Instead acknowledge the feeling and understand the causes of your pain. It is not your fault. 


      2. Put yourself out there and try something new! - Sitting in the feeling of loneliness is never the answer. Step out of your comfort zone. Try something new. There are lots of possibilities—maybe getting a pet, learning to make your favorite meal, reading a book that you have always wanted to read, joining a student organization, attending a campus event, watching a show on Netflix that you have been interested in watching, or even just sitting outside for a while. Experiment and see what helps you feel better.


      3. Connect with a friend. - Think of someone who is always supportive or who simply makes you laugh, and give that person a call. Talk to someone about how you feel. Don’t let that lonely feeling get bottled up inside.


      4. Do something creative, no matter how simple. - Try a coloring book or a jigsaw puzzle, make a collage, or even stop by one of the clubs on campus. Think outside the box and come up with something that is fun and that will help to relax you. 


    5. Help someone in need.Helping others eases loneliness because it makes us be less self-focused. Helping someone can range from assisting an elderly neighbor, volunteering for a nonprofit, or even writing something positive/supportive on a friend’s post. Putting others before yourself helps to diverge the focus on you and transfer that energy in a positive way.


      6. Remind yourself that life is not always fun, and that tomorrow is a new day! Life is full of ups and downs, however, never forget that emotions are temporary feelings. Like waves in the ocean, they arise and pass and arise and pass. You got this! 


Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/turning-straw-gold/201612/10-things-try-when-you-re-feeling-lonely