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Loneliness thrives behind the mask of the busy world you live in. Jobs take you to big cities far away from your hometown. Big city jobs keep you on your toes, mentally exhausted, and you just want to come back to someone at home. Only emptiness and silence greet you instead. Sometimes work squeezes out the last drop of energy needed for any social interaction, be it a club or a café to meet new people. To escape this eerie silence, people prefer to work and keep themselves busy, even on weekends. Busyness keeps loneliness away.
Recently, a Microsoft engineer in Bangalore was spotted driving an autorickshaw on weekends to deal with loneliness. This is not an isolated case, loneliness is a challenge for today’s generation. However, silence is not entirely bad. There is a comforting peace in that silence. Learn to embrace solitude and make space for yourself in it. Here are some ways you can be alone without feeling lonely.
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First, let go of any negative notions like pity or FOMO. The emptiness of loneliness depends on media portrayals and your expectations. Believe it or not, everyone wants to have a friend group like the popular American sitcom Friends. A new job takes you to a new city, where there are people everywhere, and it’s natural to picture yourself hanging out in Central Perk in Friends. But then you have to face reality, and things don’t turn out as you imagined.
Chances are you’ll feel even more giddy. And, most importantly, even though the media condemns it, loneliness is not a curse. Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Change your perspective and look at being alone as the ultimate ‘me time’. It’s a moment of self-reflection where you dig into yourself to understand what you like. By changing your understanding of loneliness, you’ll be able to enjoy it better.
Also read: Are you overexcited? Early signs to look out for
Develop hobbies
Develop a routine to organize your day and rearrange your priorities. At the end of the day, the cure for loneliness is not people but their infectious, cheerful energy. However, that energy is everywhere, in the thread of human existence. This energy is present in utensils, people, animals, art, poetry, etc. Release that energy by developing hobbies you are passionate about, which feels like a warm embrace. You can reconnect with an old pastime from your childhood. Immersing yourself in creative activities is a powerful way to express yourself. Be consistent and make time for these hobbies. Hobbies and certain accomplishments you have achieved also bring a sense of pride and accomplishment. Learning something new is stimulating, which keeps thoughts of loneliness at bay. It is a great serotonin booster.
Calm your mind with yoga
To reduce the overwhelming feelings of loneliness, practice yoga and meditation. This helps you understand yourself on a deeper level. Increasing self-awareness develops your emotional well-being. It calms the turmoil in your mind and takes you one step closer to inner peace. Yoga is best for reducing stress and anxiety that arises from loneliness. Meditation requires concentration, which combats the flood of negative thoughts. Making a yoga habit is important for your overall mental and physical health.
Open the floodgates of ideas
Overthinking tends to build up and eventually lead to feeling suffocated. Clear these thoughts by journaling. It clears away the fog of anxiety as you begin to see things clearly. Journaling is cathartic, helping you become more self-compassionate. Writing down these thoughts reduces the intensity of anxiety. When your feelings become clear you process them better. Regular journaling tracks and discovers patterns in your moods. With a mindset of gratitude, you can shift your focus away from loneliness, promoting much-needed self-reflection.
Also read: Anxiety and depression increase the risk of blood clots by 50%, says new study
Stay Connected
The emptiness of loneliness is lessened by staying connected. There is an impulsive desire to isolate yourself from everyone, which only exacerbates the pain of loneliness. Take active steps to connect with others. Perhaps join a nature walk or a pottery class. Online communities also connect you with like-minded individuals and groups. Meaningful relationships will empower you and help you see silence in a new light. If you are not ready to connect with someone right away, focus on enjoying your work. When you are ready, you will find people with similar interests. If you don’t like ‘meeting people’, consider adopting a furry friend after doing enough research. However, if loneliness becomes unbearable, see a therapist. Asking for help is healthy and powerful. Remember, being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely.
Also read: What effect does loneliness have on our brain? Neuroscientist explains the reason
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