25 ways to feel less lonely
eeling alone is something that everyone goes through. Whether it's because you just moved to a new place and don't know anyone, or if you're going through changes in life and feel like you're in a different place than all your friends, feeling alone is a common experience we've all had. Being or feeling alone doesn't have to define you or keep you from enjoying life, though. There are periods of time where life dictates a situation where you might be lonely but you don't have to stay there wallowing in the sadness, and sometimes loneliness can actually be enjoyed and capitalized on. You can take advantage of the time alone by creating and working on projects, or going out and finding new passions. Here are a few things you can do when you're feeling lonely to keep from getting stuck in the feelings of sadness that can stem from ruminating on your loneliness.
1. Go for a walk in the woods.
Being in nature can be grounding and refreshing. Breathe in fresh air, listen to the sounds of plants and animals rustling around. Reconnect with the earth.
2. Give yourself a facial
Replace stress with sweetness and try a natural face mask. Honey is a natural skin moisturizer, antibiotic, and also has compounds that reduce inflammation in the brain, meaning it fights depression and anxiety.
3. Meditate
Daily silent meditation per day can relieve stress and depression. Find a comfortable spot in a quiet place, concentrate on your breath, and feel your anxieties fade. If you need some help (meditation can be hard!) try downloading Headspace, which will teach you how to meditate in small 10 minute daily sessions!
4. Binge on Netflix TV shows.
Sometimes it can be great to just hang out with fictional characters for a while to make yourself feel a bit less lonely.
5. Go to a new coffee shop and hang out for a couple hours.
Bring a book and park it for a while. Just being around other people will make you feel less lonely and more inspired. Chat with your barista and maybe try a new drink you wouldn't normally get!
6. Plan a vacation.
Maybe it's just a weekend getaway, or maybe it's the trip of a lifetime. Sitting down and planning a trip can get your mind inspired and thinking about your hopes and dreams and bucket lists!
7. Skype with friends and family.
If you're far away from loved ones and missing their company, set up skype dates to chat and spend time with them.
8. Create a Zen Space
Make or find a space where you can go to relax. Get cozy in a big chair, put on some calming music, or light some incense and disappear for a while.
9. Find the Sun
Stock up on the vitamin D! If it’s a sunny day, head outside to lift your spirits. Bright light can be an effective treatment for people who suffer from depression, and can cheer up pretty much anyone!
10. Dance!
Get your body moving and your blood pumping. Dance in your kitchen to Beyonce, or go take a swing or zumba class from a local dance studio. You'll meet new people and have fun in the process!
11. Clean up.
Instead of spending time feeling lonely, invest your time into making your space clean and inviting. Clutter and messiness can often cause feelings of stress and become overwhelming. Take a couple hours, put on some upbeat music and clean up!
12. Do Some Yoga
Yoga is a great way to get out of the house and interact with others, while also helping your own body and mind to be more healthy. If you don't have a yoga studio nearby, you can also do yoga in the comfort of your own home!
13. DIY Spa Day
Get a soothing bath soak, new nail polish, or skin/hair treatment and give yourself some love. Light some candles, put on some relaxing music, and treat yourself. I recently enjoyed a Lavender and Milk bath soak and Lavender Coconut Scrub from Sam Wish and it was so relaxing.
14. Write a journal
Just putting thoughts and emotions on paper can reduce anxiety and stress. Get your thoughts out and process how you're feeling.
15. Try Aromatherapy
Drip some lavender, bergamot, sandalwood or another essential oil into your palm and inhale. The soothing scents stimulate smell receptors in the nose that connect to the part of the brain that regulates emotions.
16. Pick up an adult coloring book and start coloring!
I recently got an adult coloring book for christmas and it's so relaxing to just color in all the intricate designs. There are tons of coloring books out there now geared towards grown ups with beautiful designs ranging from super fancy mandalas to animals, to random patterns.
17. Join a gym
Before I joined a gym I was sure I wouldn't like a gym. I preferred exercise at home, by myself (which is still a great way to get some endorphins flowing to help feel less lonely!). But I found that when I joined my current gym, I really enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow class members. The gym I joined was a crossfit-esque type of gym where it had hour long circuit training classes, so I was always in a group with other people, and we were always all doing the same thing, which I think was a much better fit than a standard gym where you're on your own to run on the treadmill or just figure out a circuit/routine all by yourself.
18. Create a goal list
Instead of focusing on feeling lonely, focus on things you'd like to accomplish. Heck, if you don't have anyone to hang out with, that means you have lots of time (time that you might've spent hanging out with people and being social) to hustle and chase some of the goals you really want to achieve. There was a period of time in my life where I had moved back home after college and didn't have any friends and it was a super productive time because I pretty much just worked and focused on working towards my goals. I rarely went out or hung out with people, but I felt less lonely because I was constantly working on stuff I was passionate about!
19. Visit animals at the local shelter
Animals can truly improve our lives and help us feel less stressed and lonely. If you don't have a pet of your own to snuggle with, visit a local shelter and love on some of the animals there (they need it!). And if you're able, consider adopting one of them!
20. Find new blogs
Go on a rabbit trail search for new blogs! See which blogs your favorite bloggers have in their blogrolls or sidebar ads and start clicking! Or, explore the marketplace on Passionfruit or scroll through bloglovin's most followed blogs.
Find new bloggers who inspire you and offer a new perspective and voice.
21. Create a DIY project
You know there are tons of DIY projects you've pinned on Pinterest, so instead of feeling lonely, spend that time creating something fun and beautiful! Even if your DIY doesn't turn out how you expected it, you spent that time being creative and making something! If you're feeling even more industrious, invite people over for a pinterest party where you all create DIY's you've been wanting to do.
22. Start a new book.
Sometimes literary friends can feel just as real as our IRL friends. Dive into a new novel and get caught up in a new world, whether its fantasy, mystery, romantic, or non-fiction.
23. Cook a recipe you've never tried before.
Again, I'm sure you've pinned lots of recipes on Pinterest. Go pick one you've never tried to make and cook it!
24. Watch Ted Talks.
I always feel more a part of the human race and in touch with humanity after watching Ted Talks. So much inspiration to treat people better, create a world I want to live in, and be amazed by the things that creative people are making.
25. Get in the car and drive.
Crank up some music and sing along and don't care if you sound good or not. Roll down the windows and let the wind blow in your hair. Enjoy the freedom of not having a destination and not worrying about how long it takes to get anywhere and just go.
