ems, such as loneliness, from a different perspective. Writing your thoughts down on paper can also help you by providing an outlet for your thoughts and feelings if you ever feel like you do not have someone to talk to (although a therapist or counselor is better suited for this role).
More and more people are tuning in to the benefits of spending time in nature, and for a good reason. When you are feeling lonely, consider simply spending twenty minutes to an hour outside. Walking among trees, flowers, mountains, or other nature tends to help put our problems in perspective. Additionally, going outside and disconnecting from technology can give people a much-needed break from the screen and the comparison that social media brings.
Nature serves a dual purpose of reminding us how small we, and our problems, really are, and putting things in perspective. Plus, spending time in the natural world, surrounded by plants and maybe even animals, may make you feel that you are less alone. At the very least, a few minutes of fresh air can help you clear your head and feel refreshed.
Put Down The Phone
There is no doubt that social media has many uses, and in theory, can make it easier to connect with other people. However, often it does the opposite. Many people are so attached to their phones that they spend most of their time using them, even when they are with other people. This makes everyone feel lonely, regardless of if they are in the presence of friends or not.
Social media can also be problematic when coping with loneliness because it provides endless opportunities for comparison with others. It is no secret that most people only show the "highlight reel" of their lives online. Even if someone does struggle with loneliness, they will only post pictures of themselves smiling with friends. The result is that when someone is fighting loneliness, looking at social media will make them feel even more alone. If you are struggling with loneliness, cutting down on social media, and the constant comparison that comes with it, can be extremely beneficial for your mental health.
Exercise has many benefits, not only for physical health but also mental health. Aerobic exercise has long been associated with endorphins, a neurochemical that promotes feelings of happiness and calmness. Exercising, and the associated endorphin boost can help bring you out of a funk brought on by loneliness.
An exercise is also a good tool for fighting loneliness because it is a productive activity that you can do on your own. If you get caught up in negative thoughts when you are by yourself, spending some of that time at the gym can prevent you from getting too deep into negative thinking about being alone. You will be distracted, and also feel good knowing that you are working to improve your health.
Adopting a regular exercise regimen can also help you establish a routine and schedule if you struggle with having too much free time. As a bonus, doing workout classes can give you a sense of community or may even help you make new friends.
Loneliness is an unavoidable part of life, but it does not have to be a negative thing. Using these strategies to cope with loneliness and learn how to embrace your solitude can make a huge difference in your happiness. Of course, not everyone is happy all the time, and you may still struggle with loneliness even if you do all these things. When things get hard, remember that you can always reach out to your online therapist.