Do You Feel Lonely?

Having read "All the lonely people", by Mike Gayle, my perspective on loneliness changed. I did not realise that being alone can actually cause you more harm than good.

This is Different From "Me" Time.

When life gets way more complicated and chores start piling up, all you can think of doing is to go someplace where you can be alone and take a break from all the havoc around you.

This may seem like a break you need and help you to recharge and refresh your mind and body to get back to your tasks at hand.

While this may actually be productive and beneficial, the feeling of loneliness that we are about to speak of in this article is quite different.

Loneliness is a negative feeling of you being all alone with only the thoughts in your head. You are isolated from the world and you feel like there is no one to listen to or care for you. And over time this feeling gets stronger and slowly starts controlling your entire life. Sometimes you feel pressured, anxious, overwhelmed or victimised.

Human beings are dependent species. You seek the warmth of the mothers' bosom since birth. Looking at those around you, you learn to communicate and understand what life is all about.

Think back to the day today. From the moment you opened your eyes in the morning, you have been around at least one other person. Could be your partner, your kids, your pets, friends, work colleagues, the delivery guy, the maid, and the list goes on.

Humans are meant to interact and be around the company of others.

Health Issues Caused by Loneliness

So what happens when you feel lonely. This is truly not a concern when you are alone for a short period of time. But the longer you stay lonely, the more impact it can have on your life.

Think of it like smoking. A couple of puffs may seem harmless at first, but the more you hang onto your cigarette the more complicated things can become especially regarding your health. And unlike smoking which only affects your physical health, prolonged loneliness can actually affect your mental health as well.

1. Negative feelings like sorrow, anxiety, worry, and stress that build up in your head as you stay lonely for a long time can cause Depression.

2. Staying awake at night with a million thoughts running through your head, you will end up with Insomnia.

3. As loneliness takes control of your life, your brain starts getting inactive and you tend to lose focus.

4. When your mind tends to lose its sharpness, over time, you will not be able to see reality. And this can cause delusions, insanity, Alzheimer's disease, and several other mental health disorders

So What Can You do to Avoid Being Lonely?

Although as much as you would love to avoid being lonely, there might come a time when you might find yourself alone. Maybe when you are old, and you just lost your loved one. Here are few things that might help

Stay Connected.

Have that group of close knitted friends or family that you can talk to every now and then. Not everyone would be willing to listen to you talk about your feelings. So start by identifying them and build that connection.

Don't Always Listen to Your Thoughts

Listening to your thoughts all the time may not always be a good idea. Especially when you are lonely, the mind can play games with you. Instead create a nice and comfortable routine around the things you like. Listen to some music, read a book, watch your favourite show, talk to your pets and play with them.

Take a Walk

Get out of the house whenever you can. Even if it means going to the nearby stall and buying yourself a cup of coffee. Look at things around you, the people, the vehicles and the sounds of life outside your home.

Be Aware

Awareness is key. Maintain a journal, or a diary, and pay attention to your thoughts. Be the first to realise that your thought process is changing. And this will help you get the help you need before you have to completely rely on someone else.

A Bonus Tip From me

Have a plan for yourself. Know what are the goals you have accomplished before your life is done. keep working on those and trust me, you will have no time to be lonely.

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