Ways to help with Loneliness - from the Red Cross.

This was a message on the British Red Cross site which we thought was fantastic, so we hope they do not mind if we share with you. 

We’ve all felt lonely at times, but as coronavirus restrictions tighten and limit our daily interactions these feelings of loneliness may have increased.

Maybe you’re self-isolating in a new place away from familiar faces.  You might feel that your life has been put on hold.  Or all the plans you did make have had to change.  All this change might lead to anxiet

So, here are some reflections that could help you cope with loneliness.  Here’s a quick look at some of the ways you can build your confidence and self-esteem, develop meaningful connections, and have the tools to cope with change.  Remember if you or someone you know is really struggling, seek further specialised support.

Be Kind:

Loneliness can affect our self-esteem and make us feel like we are not worthy of other people being kind or being friends with us.  That’s not true.  We all deserve patience and kindness.  Ensure you are being kind to yourself.  Can you think of five things you really like about yourself that you think others would like about you too?

Even if you don’t feel lonely yourself, others in your friendship groups might be, but may be too nervous to reach out.  You could start a conversation with your friends where each of you share one or two things you really like about each other.  Keep a record of the things you say and remind yourselves when you feel you need a boost.

Take a minute to breathe

Sometimes it can all get too much, and we need to clear our minds.  Use the breathing with colour exercise or other mindfulness breathing exercises to take a moment.  Picture a colour you associate with happy, positive thoughts.  Now picture another for not so positive thoughts.  Take a slow breath in and picture breathing in the positive colour.  Can you feel the breath reach your fingers and toes?  Take a slow breath out and picture breathing out the negative colour.  Blow it far away from you.  Repeat this exercise a few times.  Does it help?  How do you feel now?

Think about meaningful connections

Having meaningful connections with others is the best way to tackle loneliness.  This is more than just a conversation with a person about the weather, this means talking and connecting to someone deeply.  How we connect meaningfully with others is individual to us.  Think about what you need from a connection to make it meaningful to you.  Do you have anyone who you can connect with meaningfully like this?

Start a conversation about being lonely

This can be a hard one for many, but our research shows just talking about it helps a lot.  You don’t need to talk about your own experiences at first, just start a conversation with someone you trust about loneliness in general.  You could ask:  “What is loneliness to you, how would you describe it?”

Try and help others

We can help ourselves and others by reaching out to people who may be isolated.  Do you have a friend or neighbour who might be lonely?  How could you reach out to them and see how they are doing?  Remember that you cannot 'fix' anyone's loneliness on your own, but a kind act can go a long way.