Four Ways to Reduce Feelings of Social Isolation & Loneliness
Isolation and loneliness are, specifically for older people and the elderly, two of the most corrosive and ultimately, emotionally destructive experiences that anyone can go through.
Human beings are made to be social creatures and for those who are either retired, or who work from home on a permanent basis, the risk of isolation is increased significantly.
With this in mind, here are four ways to reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness, no matter what your personal circumstances are or your lifestyle is like.
1. Utilize Social Media
Social media channels, especially Facebook, are an entirely cost-free way of reigniting your friendships and even potential romantic partnerships, and if you’re not already on Facebook, this would be an excellent place to start.
Matters relating to cyber security have never been more important and should you want to use Facebook and other platforms to reconnect with friends that you’ve lost contact with in recent years, make sure you follow these rules for social media safety:
- Make sure your internet password is complex
- Have the privacy setting to “only friends”
- Report every single inappropriate content or harassment immediately
- Be careful of what you choose to post online
- Ensure that you’re aware of the numerous benefits of fiber internet
2. Start Practicing Gratitude
Especially when you’re going through a period of low mood and have little to no motivation to even take yourself out for the day, let alone meet up with friends, then it’s time to start small and help yourself to notice the positive events in your daily life.
There are several tried-and-tested ways of helping yourself to see the good that’s in every day, particularly writing things down in a gratitude journal before you go to sleep, reliving happy memories in your mind, and identifying when you feel as though you’re living in the moment.
3. Leave the House Every Single Day
Spending more time outside every single day will help to make you feel attached and both physically and emotionally connected to nature and the natural world and moreover, if you are a self-described animal lover, then you could consider adopting a local dog from a rescue center, too.
Just a few of the myriad of benefits to your brain and indeed, the rest of your body, by making sure you at least spend twenty minutes with your morning cup of coffee in the backyard, include an improved duration and quality of sleep, which is a way to relieve stress and a natural mood booster.
4. Explore a New Hobby
Finally, if you find yourself with few friends and family members whom you interact with on a regular basis, then it’s time to get out there and make some new ones.
For those who find it difficult to find common ground or indeed, be confident enough to make real connections with strangers who are only potential friends, then joining a weekend or evening class whereby everyone already has a common interest is a great way to bond.
No Comments