7 Signs of Loneliness and 17 Things You Can Do About it. 

People have lived nomadically for years, choosing solitary lifestyles over community living. The word originates from the Greek language and refers to a member of a community who regularly moved to and from the same places and typically lived reclusively. With so many stimulants in the world that make noise, have scents, or are bright and abrasive, it’s no wonder people need time to be alone and recharge. A sense of peace and independence are both very healthy and necessary to living a well-balanced life but when does alone time turn into signs of loneliness? 

Although it is important to have time alone for a multitude of reasons, there is such a thing as too much alone time. Scientists and researchers warn loneliness is an easy trap to fall into and pulling yourself out can be challenging. Alone time is enjoyable but we all have some social needs. When these needs go unmet for an extended period of time one becomes more susceptible to experiencing signs of chronic loneliness.

A line becomes crossed between solitude and isolation and this has negative impacts on one’s mental health and overall well-being. Even nomads learned to form alliances with one another in order to ensure their survival. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be exhibiting signs of loneliness, we’ve compiled a list from researchers that contains some signs of loneliness and things to be mindful of. 

Diseases and personalities don’t always fit into finite clear-cut categories so it can be hard to decipher certain illnesses that have overlapping or similar “symptoms”. Because of this, some symptoms may reflect other diseases and you should always contact health care professionals rather than diagnose yourself. No one knows your body as you do but healthcare professionals spent years in school to become experts at the workings of the human body and mind. While this list isn’t intended to offer medical advice it can provide a baseline understanding of the changes undergone by the mind and body during periods of loneliness.

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So let’s take a look at what some scientists and researchers have said in regards to what can cause loneliness.

1.  Disrupted sleeping habits: A study published in Sleep Magazine states loneliness can ruin a good night’s sleep. [5]
2. Preferring material possessions over the desire to form meaningful relationships with others. While there are materialistic people in the world, studies have shown that people suffering from loneliness turn to possessions to help fill the void they feel. 
3. If you have more social media relationships/friendships than you do in everyday life. People tend to avoid face-to-face contact when connecting through these online methods. 
4. Increased stress levels may cause more blow-ups or lower your ability to deal with everyday hassles such as contacting the phone company in regards to an error on this month’s bill.
5. Increased levels of cortisol, from increased levels of stress, “has a systemic effect, possibly raising our stress hormone levels and making it harder for our bodies to repair the daily wear and tear of life”.[5]
6. Taking longer, hotter showers. Research has shown that the warmth provides a placebo to counteract the loss of affection in one’s life. [6]
7. Binge Watching shows. Finding time to watch your favorite movies or shows is difficult with the hustle and bustle of life so it’s not unusual to want to curl up on the couch with some snacks and catch up on the latest trending series’ on your day off. Scientists warn that too much screen time can be a sign of loneliness, depression, and lack of self-control [6]. 

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Don’t worry if these symptoms may apply to you or someone you love. We’ve also compiled a list of things you can do to help stave off loneliness. Most of these recommendations require very little effort but may have the potential to significantly improve mental health. 

1. Remember the feeling of loneliness does not mean you are alone. 
2. Explore new places. Not only do you get an opportunity to meet new people, you also get exposure to new cultures and ways of life. These new experiences can be relaxing and enriching. 
3. Keep a journal so you can reflect on how you’re feeling and the progress you may be making. 
4. Slowly ease your way out of your comfort zone.  
5. Avoid becoming overly critical of yourself.  One of the easiest things for people to do is criticize themselves which can lead to low self-esteem and can inadvertently cause one to feel more antisocial than they did in the first place. 
6. Be there for and provide support to the people around you. When someone you love is going through a crisis, it can be helpful to both parties, for you to be present. It may give you a new perspective on your own problems. Plus, by being present for someone else, you’ll heighten the bond they share with you.
7. Join a group that does the hobbies that you enjoy. Hangout and event apps are plentiful and they allow you to connect with people who share the same interests you have. 
8. Don’t blame yourself for the way you feel or compare yourself to others.
9. Do something creative. Studies have shown that creating something provides many benefits to your brain and mood. These benefits include a new sense of self-worth and the confidence to go out and meet new people or socialize with the people you already know. 
10. Try to actively socialize at every given opportunity.
11. Be gentle with yourself and accept your emotions.
12. Exercise and eat healthily. Staying active creates endorphins in the brain that make you feel happier. To ensure a balanced production of these endorphins and other “happy” chemicals your body needs a number of vitamins and nutrients every day. Eating healthy ensures your body gets what it needs and you’ll feel better both mentally and physically. 
13. Be sure to nurture yourself by doing the things you enjoy or even expanding your horizons and trying new things. 
14. Focus on your strengths and the things you do well in life.
15. Ensure that your expectations of others are realistic.
16. Allow your dreams and goals to be big and bright. 
17. Put your pride aside and ask for help. Chances are pretty good that you’ve got at least a couple of people who love you and if they love you, they will be more than happy to provide support to you in difficult times. 

Scientists have found evidence to support how mental and physical health correlate to one another. Research has shown that maintaining good mental health is important to ensure good physical health. When someone is suffering from low self-esteem, loneliness, or depression the immune system becomes compromised and people are more susceptible to colds and the flu. By staying active and enriched, eating well, and loving deeply people can experience life in a whole new way that may give them the opportunity to live a richer and fuller life. 

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