WHETHER it is because you are working from home more or finding that dating apps are in their flop era, many of us are struggling with loneliness.
Rather than suffering in silence, experts have revealed the five steps to easily combat loneliness.
Though you might feel completely isolated at times, loneliness is a surprisingly common experience.
Having surveyed 2,000 adults, fitness brand Zumba found that at least 40 per cent of adults have experienced this emotion.
Whilst they might be young, wild and free, it was 18-24 year olds that were most likely to feel alone with 60 per cent reporting this.
Women were also more likely to feel intense loneliness (38 per cent) compared to men, with only 30 per saying that they felt lonely.
Though working from home might have helped us get through the pandemic, a shocking four in ten adults report that they can go at least three days without talking face-to-face to another person.
Nipping into the office might not help either, with a quarter of those surveyed admitting that they felt lonely at work and another 28 per cent experiencing loneliness whilst socialising.
Instead of simply surrounding yourself with people, psychologist Anjula Mutanda says that poor-quality relationships can often contribute to this feeling.
Partnering with the brand, she explained: “Human beings are by our very nature social beings and psychological research asserts that we need to belong, to relate to each other and feel connected to other people – this is how we survive and thrive.
“Therefore, feeling disconnected or cut-off from quality relationships with others, can negatively impact our mental and physical health – something which has been highlighted in the research.
“Experiencing loneliness can come in different forms and is uniquely felt by each of us.”
Those who do feel lonely will often feel intense shame about this feeling, which can further impact their ability to form new friendships and relationships.
Thankfully, there are five simple ways to combat this, according to the mental health expert, and it starts with simply being aware of what you are feeling.
Unhelpful habits
Whilst we are all guilty of having bad habits, it’s good to notice if they are contributing to your feelings of loneliness.
Anjula suggests noting when you notice a tendency to withdraw from others and isolate yourself – when all you actually want to do is to reach out.
Make the shift
If you are struggling, the psychologist also suggests doing something to help shift your emotions.
This could be as simple as texting a friend or going on a short walk.
Feel It Out
She also suggests trying to challenge negative thoughts you may have developed over time.
For example, wanting to join a dance class but preventing yourself from doing so for fear that that other people may judge you negatively.
Those pesky negative automatic thoughts (NATS) can really prevent you from reconnecting with things you love.
Keeping dancing
For anyone struggling with lonelienss, you might want to take large steps like joining a Zumba class or running club.
This will expand your social circle and help build your confidence.
Zumba even demonstrated how effect this was by inviting two people who have experienced loneliness to a class to help them tackle their feelings.
Doctor Doctor
Though it can be difficult to try something new, sometimes we get stuck in patterns of overwhelm and stress. If you are struggling, reach out to your GP for support as they can help find resources for you.
