Pick up the phone. Reach out to a friend and ask if they have a few minutes to talk. You can try keeping the tone light, but making your feelings clear. Say, “I’m feeling a little lonely and I could use a laugh. What’s the funniest thing that happened to you today?” The phone is a great way to keep in touch. Maybe you have moved away from some of your friends and are looking for a way to connect. Don’t be afraid to dial their numbers regularly. If you are too overwhelmed to call a friend in the moment, make a list of the people you could call next time you are feeling up for it. [1] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 29 May 2019.
Go visit a friend. Have you been longing for a girls weekend with your best friends? Find a great spot to meet and start planning. You can also plan a solo trip. Choose a place to visit that you’ve always wanted to see. You could also mix some alone time with some socializing. Have you been missing your brother lately? Take a road trip. You can take a few days to yourself on your way to visit him.
Plan a variety of activities. For example, e-mail a friend you haven’t seen in a while and ask if she’s free for a coffee date. You could also schedule some evening activities. Ask your neighbor if he wants to try out the new pizza place around the corner. Consider having a party. You don’t need a special occasion to reach out to your friends and ask them to come over for a wine and cheese party.
Contact a family member. Try saying, “I’ve been feeling a little down lately. It would be great to spend some time with you. Do you mind if I come spend the weekend with you?” Be honest about how you’re feeling. Remember, it’s normal to feel lonely. Let your friends and family help. Do something you enjoy. Ask a close friend to go on a long hike with you. The fresh air and companionship might make you feel better.
Give up your seat on a crowded bus. Smile and say, “Here, you take this seat. " You’ll feel like you are helping someone, which will make you feel better. Volunteer. [4] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 29 May 2019. Find an organization that you find worthwhile and donate your time. Consider serving soup at a local soup kitchen. You’ll definitely be able to feel like part of a community.
Head outside for a walk. [6] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 29 May 2019. The fresh air will help boost your mood. You’ll also see other people, which can help you feel less isolated. Run some errands. Sometimes just basic human contact can make you feel more connected to people. Try going to the grocery store. You’ll be productive and fight your sadness at the same time.
Take some time to explore the things that interest you. For example, maybe you have always been interested in cooking. Try taking a class to hone your skills. Are you an animal lover? Use your free time to volunteer at a shelter. Learn to play a musical instrument. This can feel productive and soothing at the same time.
Look for a fun recreational league. Many cities offer sports such as basketball, volleyball, and softball. You can also join a non-competitive team. Look for a league that offers sports such as kickball or dodge ball. Ask a friend or co-worker to join you. You’ll get some quality time in with someone you know, and you’ll also meet new people.
Treat yourself to a new book. Pick up the latest thriller and dive in. Talking about books is also a great way to connect with people. Try joining a book club. Reading can spark your imagination. The book you read might give you ideas on fun new things to do.
School is a great place to make new friends. Ask one of your classmates if they want to form a study group with you. Work is also a good place to make connections. Organize a happy hour to get to know your new co-workers. Start saying hi to your neighbors. Ask the person across the hall if they are interested in taking a walk around the neighborhood on a nice day.
Allow yourself to go through several emotions. Know that how you are feeling right now will not last forever. Accept your emotions. Say to yourself, “I’m feeling lonely now, and that’s normal. " Once you accept how you are feeling, you’ll be in a better position to move forward. Ignoring your emotions will only block your progress.
Talk to a family member. Try saying, “Mom, I’ve been feeling really lonely lately. Do you have time to talk?” You can also reach out to a close friend. You could say, “Sarah, we haven’t been able to spend much time together lately. Do you have any free time soon when we could hang out?” Consider seeing a counselor. [13] X Expert Source Chloe Carmichael, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 29 May 2019. Sometimes a mental health professional can give you some very helpful, objective advice.
Don’t be afraid of alone time. You can still do the things that you enjoy. Try going to a movie by yourself. You’ll likely find that it’s nice to be able to pick the movie, and you won’t have to share your popcorn. Be kind to yourself. Try not to get down on yourself. Take a minute each day to think of something that you like about yourself.
Don’t scroll through Facebook or Instagram when you are feeling lonely. You might start to feel bad that you’re not out doing something fun. Instead, go out and do something. Take a walk, or call a friend for a long chat.
