How to Stop Feeling Lonely

Be a friend to yourself. If you have no one to come to your rescue, that's fine . . . you can always help yourself. Spend a little time with yourself enjoying nature. My clients have found, over the years, that a trip to the park or a walk through the woods or a drive to the top of the mountain can make them feel quite a bit better. If you want to learn how to be happy, try reconnecting with nature.

A stroll through the old neighborhood can or walking park can put you in touch with others. When I smile at a stranger I feel less lonely. When I meet an old friend at the arboretum I feel better, too. When I compliment someone on their beautiful dog I always get a warm-heart thank-you in return, and maybe a little pleasant conversation, to boot.

If you want to combat loneliness and stop feeling those lonesome blues, go to a city, state or national park and spend some time in a beautiful natural area. Walk your dog and watch how he gets such tremendous enjoyment from such a simple activity as walking (and sniffing). And, if he's like my Collie, oh, how he derives such joy from peeing on every bush and stick until, well, there is nothing left to squirt.

My dog can make me laugh when nothing else can. He's a life-loving, crazy nut!

These are some lovely words to take on board. Thanks for taking the time to put this together~

I appreciate this

Hey, thanks for posting! This is some really good advice. To further progress a relationship/friendship, I think it's necessary to confide in that person, and show the person that you trust them. That way, they feel like they can trust you as well.

This is wonderful advice! I often experience some of the similar mood boosts you mention while walking out in nature as well. Any advice on how to suggest this to someone who has decided nothing will help them feel less lonely?

Thank you so much for this post. Feeling lonely is very common and I think is wonderful to have a post about it. Thanks for the advice too!