Most of us will feel lonely from time to time whether because our kids have flown the nest, our friends are too busy to hang out at the weekend or… well, you know the drill. It sucks, right? It can make you feel like no one else cares; that you’re all alone, and no matter how fleeting those feelings may be, they can bring you down fast.
The good news is, there are tons if simple things you can do to help yourself cope better on those occasions when loneliness comes to visit.
1. Get Out of the House
Okay, so when you’re feeling lonely, you tend to feel down, and when you feel down the last thing you often want to do is get out of your PJs and into your jeans for a trump outside. But, you know what? Often getting out and about is the best thing you can do for your loneliness. Whether you just people-watch, or you stoke up a conversation with someone at the next table in a cafe, it will make you feel less alone, and who knows, you might just make a new friend!
2. Get Your Game On
Games are a great way to distract yourself from feeling lonely—and no, I’m not talking about scrolling through social media and feeling worse about yourself. Pick up something simple like solitaire or, if you’re in the mood for something more interactive, dive into an online game. Multiplayer games can be a surprisingly effective way to connect with others, even if you’re just teaming up to slay virtual dragons or figure out which one of your mates is the imposter.
Plus, there’s something strangely therapeutic about moving cards around and feeling like you’re winning at something, even if it’s just beating yourself at a card game.
3. Channel Your Inner Creative Genius
Feeling lonely? Time to create something! Whether it’s painting, knitting, writing terrible poetry (or even good poetry if that’s your thing), doing something creative can lift your spirits and give you a sense of accomplishment. Don’t worry if your masterpiece looks more like a mess—nobody has to see it except you.
The best part? You can blast your favourite music, make a total mess, and let your creative juices flow without worrying about anyone judging you. It’s your time, so embrace it!
4. Call Someone (No, Texting Doesn’t Count)
Texting is great, but nothing beats an actual phone call when you’re feeling lonely. It might seem like a big effort, but hearing someone’s voice—whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even that one person you haven’t talked to in months—can help you feel connected in a way that’s just more… real.
Don’t feel like talking about yourself? That’s fine—ask them how they are. It’s a great distraction, and before you know it, you’ll have forgotten all about feeling lonely for a bit.
5. Exercise (I Know, I Know, but Stay with Me)
Alright, hear me out. Exercising might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re feeling lonely, but it’s actually a great way to boost your mood. You don’t have to become a fitness fanatic—just going for a run, taking a yoga class, or even doing some stretches in your living room can help. Plus, if you join a class or an online group, you might meet some like-minded people along the way.
Endorphins are like little happiness ninjas, and you can trick your brain into feeling better without realising it. And hey, if you can do it without tripping over your yoga mat, that’s a win!
6. Volunteer (Because the World Needs More of You)
Sometimes the best way to feel less lonely is to focus on helping others. Volunteering is a great way to get out, meet people, and make a difference all at the same time. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or getting involved in community events, doing something good for others has a way of making you feel good about yourself, too.
Bonus: you’ll probably make some new friends along the way. Helping people (or animals) who appreciate you? That’s got to feel better than sitting at home, right?
7. Embrace the Alone Time (Really)
This one might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to deal with loneliness is to embrace it. Instead of trying to distract yourself constantly, try spending some quality time with, well, you. Think of it as a date with yourself—do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, cooking, or having a bath with more bubbles than you need.
Learning to enjoy your own company can be pretty empowering, and once you’re comfortable being alone, you might find that loneliness doesn’t feel quite so bad anymore. Plus, no one’s around to judge you for eating an entire pizza by yourself while watching reruns of Bake Off.
Loneliness happens to the best of us, but it doesn’t have to take over your life!
