Let's talk about LONELINESS.

Loneliness is like an uninvited guest that comes to your house, grabs all the delicious goodies from your plate leaving you feeling unsatisfied and craving for the tiniest crumbs left.

Feeling lonely is not necessarily a cause for alarm but if it keeps on recurring it can really take a toll on all aspects of your life. *sad but true* and you need to know that this feeling comes to us all, it just varies drastically for everyone. 

For instance, a lonely teen who is struggling to make friends in school has different needs to a lonely adult who lost a loved one.

Loneliness *for me* is more of a sense of isolation and a feeling of something missing in your life. You can literally be in a room full of people and still feel alone.

*Personally, I can relate to this overwhelming feeling* 

Here are some common symptoms of loneliness, that's if you are wondering if you got the LONELINESS SYNDROME.

• feeling worthless and emotionally drained.
• Not having that best friend.
• Feeling alienated.
• Feeling no one really get you.
• Feeling socially isolated even when you are not alone.
• Inability to connect to someone on a deep intimate level.

Hate to break it to you but if you are experiencing just two symptoms out of this list, YOU DEFINITELY HAVE IT but not to panic because loneliness, as well as other emotions *like depression*, can be dealt with.

Yes, you can combat this overwhelming joy-sucking emotion and get to have a more enjoyable and happy state of mind just follow these simple yet practical steps.

Have more outdoor time.

Getting out of your house and into the stress-relieving outdoor world is an excellent idea to overcome loneliness.

It's an easy way to get rid of all those negative images in your head and the plus side you will be receiving some good boost of fresh air *which is one of the most basic and yet essential lifelines of good health*

Less social media and technology time.

Social media and technology can be fun and addictive but it's also time-consuming and yeah it has it's good side because with it you can connect and even form new relationship all over the world but on the downside, you will spend a lot less time connecting with people in a person, being creative, practicing new habits and getting more outdoor time.

And to top it all social media can increase depression, anxiety, and even loneliness in young people because most times all they thinking about is increasing their likes and followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Reducing Your social media and technology time can actually be a positive impact on your life and helps with the feeling of loneliness. 

Focus on developing quality relationships.

Isolation is only helpful when it promotes a feeling of solitude rather than loneliness.

It's important and also necessary you focus on developing quality relationships with people who support you so when the feeling comes you will find it easy to pour out your feelings to someone you trust. 

Having a good quality relationship is an amazing way to feel more loved and less alone.

Adopt a pet.

For some people, that furry four-legged friend really help them to feel less alone *pets tend to have this unconditionally love and affection for their owner*

They may not provide the same connection as humans but they are certainly the best companion to have and on the plus side having a pet can be a good conversation starter if you are thinking of having a new friend.

These steps may not be easy for some people but having a personal motivation to combat loneliness can really give you a fighting chance.

Now let's talk about supporting a friend who is lonely.

As I said earlier loneliness is a powerful emotion that can affect basically everyone some people can find it easy to just shake off the emotion but it might be a little difficult for others.

 Most times people who are lonely don't like talking about how they feel.

One need to be emphatic and supportive to a lonely friend because you may not be aware of what kind of personal life issues they are struggling with, they may not have that family support you do so it's important to help them in any way you can.

Honestly, you need to be careful with the words you say around them because your words can either help them to feel better or worse.

Just avoid using words like:

• Why are you always quite, have you forgotten how to use your mouth?
• I never get lonely in my life, am too busy.
• Would love to have some quite time, like you.

It might be hilarious to you but this statement makes you sound smug and uncaring 

not telling what to say but try to sound more  understanding and caring

So if you are thinking about what you can actually do to help them try 

• calling to check up on them occasionally.
• Helping them in making a connection by introducing them to your other friends.
• Inviting them over to your family event.

Just try not to judge or criticize anyone who admits they are lonely, most people don't have the courage to speak out and suffer silently so try to help them in any way you can.

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