3 Ways to Overcome Loneliness

We all feel lonely at some point or another, but feeling lonely has nothing to do with actually being alone. I can be with a big group of people and feel lonely, and I can be at home alone and not feel lonely at all.

So if it’s not only a lack of company that causes loneliness, what else does?

LACK OF MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Everywhere we turn there is a headline telling us that we are the loneliest society ever and that our digital-driven lives are to blame. First of all, I don’t think either of these statements is entirely true, but there is no doubt that a lot of people do feel disconnected. So what can we do about it?

Let’s explore 3 ways you can overcome loneliness by building meaningful connections:

Stop forcing connections. We’re all guilty of this to a certain extent. You try to form connections with people who are convenient — coworkers, neighbors, class mates, etc. You have one thing in common that brought you together, and you try your darnedest to build a connection from that. But if you can’t connect with them over something that you feel passionate about, something that excites you or motivates you, you will end up feeling misunderstood and lonely. The internet makes it is easier than ever to find people with common interests. Get out there, and find some people to connect with. Even if you don’t actually communicate with anyone, just watching a video created by someone who is authentic and whose message resonates with you can make you feel like you’re not alone in the world.
Accept that everyone expresses connection (love) in their own way. If you don’t, you will miss many opportunities for connection. What I’m referring to here is The 5 Love Languages developed by Gary Chapman. A quick example: I receive love through Quality Time; my husband gives love through Acts of Service. It’s pretty easy to see that the two conflict at times. While he’s performing acts of service, he’s taking time away from our quality time together. I have to remind myself of this — often! Who’s trying to connect with you in a way that you aren’t recognizing? If you can figure that out, you will have a good foundation for a meaningful connection. (The other love languages are Words of Affirmation, Receiving Gifts, and Physical Touch.)

Keep scrolling for the 3rd way to overcome loneliness.

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The 3rd Way to
Overcome Loneliness

#3 – Allow yourself to be vulnerable. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Brene Brown, it’s that you cannot have anything meaningful in your life if you are not willing to be vulnerable. If you really want to form meaningful connections to overcome your loneliness, at some point you are going to have to take a leap of faith and let your authentic self be seen. Here’s a quote from Brene’s book Braving the Wilderness to bring it home:

When we feel isolated, disconnected, and lonely, we try to protect ourselves. In that mode, we want to connect, but our brain is attempting to override connection with self-protection. . . . Unchecked loneliness fuels continued loneliness by keeping us afraid to reach out.

Ready to figure out what types of people you should form meaningful connections with. Read:

3 People Who Will Help You Become Your Best Self

How to Be Intentional With Others: Spot Red Flag & Green Flag People, which includes a FREE worksheet to help you go from inspiration to action.

Have a CONNECTED day!