Four techniques to deal with loneliness

When you feel lonely, sometimes you want to lie on the sofa and watch TV – this is normal. But if this continues indefinitely, the feeling of loneliness only grows stronger. It lingers and settles comfortably in your life.

When you feel lonely, you may start hanging out with people who think only of themselves and don’t understand or appreciate you. But you think, “At least there is someone. I don `t want to be alone”.

You reach for another glass of wine to dull the pain, forget yourself and break the ringing silence. All these methods are popular, but useless and even harmful. In fact, completely different things help: create, write and explore. This is how we get closer to our own “I”. Of course, connecting with others is important, but at the heart of relationships with others is your relationship with yourself.

When lonely, remember: you have a limitless, rich and inventive imagination, hands and heart at your disposal. Here are some ideas on how you can use all of this.

Explore your loneliness

First of all, it is important to acknowledge and respect your feelings. You have to honor what is true for you at this moment. This will help in exploring your loneliness.

Write about the feelings you have, the thoughts that come up when you are alone. About the pain that loneliness causes. You may have a headache or stomachache. Maybe it shows up as a general tiredness or sadness that you can’t seem to shake off. It may feel like a veil or mist.

Get it all out on paper. Then you can save the records or destroy them, it doesn’t matter. Most importantly, allow yourself to be as honest with yourself as possible.

Write a story about him

Write a story about a little girl who feels lonely. Write down why she became lonely and what helps her cope. You can even draw illustrations and turn them into a children’s book. Look at your story through the eyes of a small child. Sometimes a change of perspective can help you become kinder to yourself and find a healthier way out of a situation.

Create a collage of random items

Start the timer and set the task – to find five objects from which you can make a collage. Toothpicks, old magazines, candy wrappers and gum, old cards and invitations, advertisements and coupons.

Then put on your favorite music and let your imagination run wild. You can create multiple collages using different words, themes or points of view. One collage might be about winter or the holidays, another about silly things, and a third might be the work of a “new avant-garde artist.”

Write a letter to yourself

Write a letter about something you can’t forgive yourself for: a mistake at work, a fight with a friend, a series of bad decisions and bad actions. It will become easier for you to let go of resentment.

Write a letter for your personality trait or body part you like. “Thank you legs for sending me on a refreshing run this morning. Thank you hands for helping me write about my pain. Thank you ears for letting me listen to soothing tunes on the road.”

Write yourself a letter of approval and support that will inspire and give you strength for new achievements.

When you feel lonely, it’s important to keep in touch with others. Call a close friend, go to a book or jogging club, take a photography or painting class. Think about what you like to do or what you would like to try, and then find people who like the same thing.

It is equally important to keep in touch with yourself, for this you need to write and create. You can make a list of things to do in case loneliness hits. This list will serve as a reminder that there are many ways to reconnect with yourself.

You don’t need empty and superficial solutions like wine or the wrong people to feel better, more comfortable, and less lonely. Build a meaningful, strong relationship with yourself. And look for people who want to build meaningful relationships with you.