Loneliness is a hurtful and undesired emotion that affects both our mental and physical health. It damages our sleep quality, immune system and can lead to heart diseases. Everyone, no matter the age group or sex can feel lonely.

Why Feel Lonely

Many causes/factors can contribute to loneliness or isolation. The most common are include:

Affluence 

Wealth may influence one to be lonely. People may be intimidated by your wealth and isolate you. They may think that you are better than them, making them not socialize with you, making you feel lonely and isolated. It’s good to connect with people who understand your lifestyle and appreciate it.

Living Situations

Decades ago, people lived in tribes or communities; it was rare to feel lonely. Nowadays, it’s hard to connect with people as families are divided and live apart. Our current lifestyle has made many feel lonely. We should strive to live in a like-minded community to reduce stress and increase joy. 

Fear of Rejection and Social Anxiety

Rejection experienced due to bullying, neglect, or child abuse may cause immeasurable fear of rejection, which might be evident as social anxiety. The ridicule and fear of rejection can cause induced isolation and feelings of loneliness. People with such experiences should seek help from therapists.  

Intellectual Isolation Can Cause Loneliness

More intelligent people find it difficult to spend time or associate with people who are not as intelligent. Not connecting with people who understand how quickly their mind works may make them feel uncomfortable and hence lonely. Intelligent people should strive to meet and connect with other smart people to be comfortable.

Emotional Isolation  

Some emotional scars from previous relationships may affect how you relate with people. You may feel disconnected from your friends and family, thus feeling isolated and lonely. You should strive to meet new like-minded people that will help you heal and move on.  

Signs of Loneliness

It’s not easy to know that you are lonely; here are some signs that may signify loneliness:

Spending More Time on Social Media

Research shows that many people who spend more than two hours on social media are more likely to be lonely than those spending 30 minutes. If you frequently find yourself on social media, you should check out for yourself as you are likely to be lonely.

Weight Gain Might Be a Sign of Loneliness

Depression has a side effect of weight gain; hence it’s not a surprise that weight gain also implies loneliness. Loneliness may be a drive to overeating. This, in turn, causes unusual weight gain. If this happens, you should take precautions as it’s a sign of loneliness.

Hanging Out with Lonely People

Loneliness is contagious; if you hang around lonely people, you are likely to be lonely. If you find yourself with lonely people, you should be concerned as it’s one sign of being lonely.

Taking Long and Hot Showers

Study shows that if you lack emotional warmth or are lonely, you tend to substitute that with physical warmth by taking long and hot baths.

Constantly Feeling Tired

Lonely people do not sleep as well as others. Meaning they don’t have a complete sleeping cycle. This makes them feel tired all the time without doing actual work.

Strategies to Cope with Loneliness

Loneliness is a normal experience. But if unchecked, it can lead to physical and emotional problems. Research shows that loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. It’s better to treat loneliness in a healthy way. Below are ways to deal with loneliness; 

Acknowledge and React

Many people fear talking about feeling lonely as society values self-sufficiency and individualism, thus pushing individuals to isolation and refusing to acknowledge loneliness.

The first step to fighting the negativity brought by loneliness is to accept that we are lonely and decide to seek help.

Pause Social Media

Most people tend to run to social media when lonely, thinking it’s an easy and quick fix. However, research shows that social media makes us more segregated and lonelier. Instead

of spending time on social media, we should use that time to strengthen our bonds with friends, family, and community to keep loneliness at bay.

Getting a Pet is a Great Way to Cope with Loneliness

When connecting with people is not possible, it may be of help to own a pet. Animals are great conversation starters, and taking the pet for walks, caring for it can keep you occupied and

as well as provide opportunities to meet new friends, which is a great way to deal with loneliness.

Join a Club or Group

It’s always a good idea to connect with new people to cope up with loneliness. Look for community activities, seminars and make it a priority to make new friends. These different

events help you meet more people, thus keeping loneliness at bay.

Create a Plan

Sometimes you should solve a problem, and at times solve how you feel about that problem. You may decide to cope with loneliness by engaging in healthy strategies to feel better – activities like knitting, drawing, or gardening rather than connecting with people who might disappoint and make you feel even more lonely.

Seek Professional Help

This applies when you are facing loneliness, and you don’t know what to do. Talking to professional therapists may help you make good connections with people and also help you with good strategies to cope when you’re feeling lonely.

Coping with Loneliness – Volunteer             

Volunteering is much the same as joining a club or class as it helps you meet new people and help you find more purpose in your life. It can bring life satisfaction and happiness, thus decreasing loneliness.