Theres a specific kind of loneliness that comes from being unable to brunch with yourbest friends.
Or you might miss the small daily interactions with your regular barista.
Suddenly, travel is limited and impromptu hangouts are literally unsafe.
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So what should you do when youre feeling lonely?
Recognize how loneliness can cloud your judgment.
A state of loneliness actually alters how we perceive the world, Franco tells SELF.
As a result, it can be harder to push yourself out of feeling lonely.
We perceive threats and slights where they may not be, Franco explains.
And we perceive that we’re more likely to be rejected than we are.
Plan for loneliness before you begin to feel lonely.
Still, Franco says that you should take a stab at anticipate your loneliness.
you should probably reach out to people before you get lonely, Franco says.
If weekends are hardest for you, make a plan to touch base with someone ahead of time.
Franco also says that planning ahead can help you reframe loneliness.
3. verify binge-watching isn’t your only source of comfort.
Television has a way of making usfeel less alone, right?
But the pot is boiling, and we’re not registering it, Franco says.
The key, she says, is not letting your loneliness turn you into a puddle on the couch.
So consider going for a walk, even if youre alone.
Admit it when youre over Zoom and FaceTime.
That in itself is a small victory.
If youre over video chats, its not your fault.
Franco says that video conferencingthough wonderfulisnt a perfect substitute for in-person interactions.
I think that’s how you end up being lonely in a crowded room.
It’s because you don’t feel that the environment is safe for you to express yourself.
Make a practice of reaching out to people when you think of them.
Reaching out when you think about a friend is so crucial, Sow says.
And reach out to people in new ways.
Who doesn’t love opening their mailbox and finding actual mail instead of bills, Sow adds.
Have a literal conversation with yourself about loneliness.
Franco suggests talking to yourself in the third person to gain a little clear-mindedness.
It’s a way to separate ourselves from the cloud that happens in our brains, she explains.
Tell your friends and family you miss them.
Keeping it honest might help you feel more connected.
Missing friends is something I talk about frequently with the very friends I’m missing, Friedman says.
Doing this could help you realize youre not alone.
Have vulnerable conversations more often.
Authenticity is the antidote to loneliness, Franco says.
Doing this helps you remember that youre connected even if youre spending way more time alone.
Know that youre allowed to seek professional support.
So it could be worth it to begin the journey of processing those past experiences.
