How To Deal With Loneliness?
Loneliness is not just having no one around; it is the feeling of being alone and isolated but also all the feelings of sadness that follow.
For many people, this feeling is due to not having found love; for others, meeting new people, or even having some kind of connection, is impossible.
Consequences of loneliness
Recent studies have shown that loneliness can have repercussions not only on the mind, but also on physical health.
Indeed, people who feel empty, alone and who have the feeling of not being loved, have a greater chance of contracting cardiovascular diseases, are more stressed and have a decrease in memory and the ability to learn.
Feelings of loneliness can even lead to depression and suicide.
What to do when you feel lonely?
The solution is not to throw yourself in the arms of the first comer, just to feel less alone. Although this is a very common strategy among people who suffer from loneliness, it ultimately only brings complications and creates conflict, instead of solving the problem.
In the end, this solution will only worsen the initial situation. The real solution is to learn both the art of being alone and the art of being accompanied.
Let down or get up?
If there have been recent changes in your personal life; whether it is because of the death of a loved one, a breakup or simply the move of a friend; and that you are feeling lonely, know that you can pick yourself up and take a positive step in this new situation.
The art of being alone
Use this step to get to know yourself better. When you live with someone, you always have to make concessions.
And if your other half has a stronger personality than you, you may often be the one to decide. So take advantage of this moment to refocus on yourself.
Claim your identity.
It’s time to rediscover your tastes! What foods do you prefer? How do you want to decorate this room? What programs do you like to watch? Often times you will find that your tastes have changed or that you were depriving yourself of certain things.
Become autonomous.
This is an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and test new things, to learn how to manage your budget or fix a leak in the tap. Find out which schedule works best for you.
Knowing that you can take care of yourself and that you are able to do it well will give you a feeling of unparalleled satisfaction.
Take time.
Remember that if you are leaving a romantic relationship it will take time to get back on your feet emotionally and it would not be reasonable to start a new relationship straight away.
This time will allow you to think about what is really important to you, what you will need to look for in your future relationship, and what needs to change in order to move forward.
Ultimately, it is a moment of fulfillment and maturity. If you don’t know how to be happy being alone, you won’t be able to be happy in a relationship. No one can act as a magic wand and make your problems go away.
The art of being accompanied
After the art of being alone comes the art of being accompanied. One of the crucial first steps is to have a good relationship with your family. Try to make peace with the members you have strayed from.
It represents a good experience and a kind of personal “challenge”. Even if the relationship is not ideal, you will have done everything to start a discussion and allow communication. If your goal is to maintain a stable emotional relationship, your couple will represent your closest family.
Strengthens existing friendships.
If you find it difficult to maintain social contact and even tend to avoid it, make a goal of going out with your friends at least once a week. Try not to become isolated.
You can expand your circle of friends by joining a book group, going to a gym, or taking classes on a topic that interests you.
Knowing how to surround yourself with good friends is essential in order to maintain a strong romantic relationship. After all, marriage is the union of two friends, isn’t it?
In conclusion, remember that the feeling of loneliness does not come from being alone, but from your way of perceiving a situation. What is more serious is that the consequences of this loneliness are devastating, both emotionally and physically.
Don’t be lonely, don’t be a victim. Take the positive out of it and learn to bounce back. Set yourself the goal of learning from both the art of being alone and the art of being accompanied.