How To Counteract The Effects Of Loneliness
Loneliness doesn’t always have to do with being without other people around you; rather it is the perception of being alone or isolated and the feelings of sadness that accompany this situation.
For many, these feelings are caused by not having found a partner and others find it difficult to start new relationships, and even maintain ties of any kind. And the truth is that loneliness can be overwhelming …
Consequences of Loneliness
Recent studies have shown that loneliness can have repercussions not only on your mood, but also on your physical health. People who feel empty, alone, and unwanted are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, increased stress levels, decreased memory and learning ability. Feelings of loneliness can even lead to depression and suicide.
It must be taken into account that the human being is a social animal. We need others to socialize and share our life and experiences with them.
What can you do if you feel lonely?
The solution is not to get into a crazy relationship no matter with whom, as long as you feel accompanied. Although this is a very common strategy for those who suffer from loneliness, the reality is that, ultimately, rather than solving the problem, it brings more serious complications and creates conflicts. In short, that remedy is worse than the disease. The key is to learn both the art of being alone and the art of being with others.
Do you suffer from loneliness or do you take advantage of it?
If your personal circumstances have recently changed, either due to the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship, or simply the move of a friend, and now you find yourself alone, think that you can take advantage of the new situation to get a positive experience.
There are times when retiring to a temporary solitude, it is positive to think, find and refocus our objectives and vital values.
The Art of Being Alone
Use this stage to get to know yourself better. When you live with another person, you always have to make commitments and if your partner had a more dominant personality than you, it may be that most of the time you will end up giving in. Enjoy the moments of meeting with yourself.
Reaffirm your identity. It can be very helpful to “refresh” things like: What foods do you like? How do you want to decorate the place? What shows do you like to watch? It seems very simple, but many times you will discover that your tastes have changed or that you were depriving yourself of some things.
Become self-sufficient. This is an opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge. Learn how to budget or fix a leaky faucet. Find out the schedule that works best for you. Knowing that you can take care of yourself and that you can do it well will give you an incomparable sense of satisfaction.
Take some time. Remember that if you have just ended a romantic relationship, you will need time to heal emotionally and it would not be wise for you to start another relationship right away. The space will allow you to think about what is really important to you, what you should look for in your future partner and what things you want to improve about yourself.
In conclusion, it is a time to grow and mature. If you don’t know how to be happy alone, you won’t know how to be happy in a relationship. No one can serve as a “magic wand” to dissolve your internal dilemmas.
The Art of Being Accompanied
After having experienced the art of being alone, it is necessary to experience the art of being accompanied. An important first step is establishing good relationships with your family members. Try to make amends with any estranged family member. This is good practice and a “test” for yourself. Even if you can’t make the relationship perfect, you are at least doing your part to open the lines of communication. If your goal is to maintain a stable emotional relationship, your partner will be your closest family.
Strengthen your friendships. If you find it difficult to handle social situations and you tend to avoid them, make it a goal to do something with friends at least once a week. Try not to go into isolation. You can expand your circle of friends by joining a book club, going to the gym, or taking classes on a topic that interests you. Knowing how to have good friends is essential in order to have a successful romantic relationship. After all, marriage is the union of two friends, right?
In conclusion, remember that feelings of loneliness do not come from being alone, but from how you perceive the situation. The serious thing is that its consequences can be devastating, both emotionally and physically.
So don’t suffer from loneliness, don’t suffer from it; learn from it and take advantage of it. Make it a goal to learn both arts: being alone and being with someone.
