Alone But Not Lonely: The Solo Activities That Help Foster Connection

"It might be challenging to discuss loneliness and much harder to overcome it. However, the exit does not always necessitate assistance. When we're lonely, our initial inclination is frequently to hide. According to Dr. Alison Mahoney, a psychologist at Sydney's St. Vincent's hospital, "there tends to be shame around loneliness, so we tend to hide and avoid." Which simply makes loneliness worse and makes you disconnect even more.

Get in a flow: “Studies conducted during the pandemic with international students and retirement home residents in Taiwan found that activities which allow people to experience a sense of mastery and autonomy – ie flow – are associated with decreased feelings of loneliness. In a state of flow, people become so absorbed in an activity that they lose track of time. A flow state requires a task that is ideally just challenging enough, and provides clear goals and feedback”

Get in touch with nature: “A 2021 study in Nature found people are more likely to feel lonely in dense, crowded areas, but a connection with the natural environment can help those feelings subside.”

Do something meaningful: “In addition to providing social contact, volunteering fosters a sense of inclusivity and social cohesion that can help ease loneliness. It can also help promote a sense of meaning, purpose and self-esteem by contributing to others or to causes that are bigger than the self"

Read the full article on The Guardian

✨Discussion: It's a fallacy that loneliness is innately weak, loneliness is a universal experience. It’s possible to feel lonely when your surrounded by people. The same way it’s possible to feel alone, but not lonely. Instead of withdrawing from everything all together, participate in solo activities that aid in fostering connection.

✨Reflection: What’s an activity that helps you get in a flow? What’s something that helps you get in touch with nature? How can you add meaning into your life?

#Loneliness #Solo #Activities #Alone #Wellbeing