The loneliness epidemic is a growing concern, especially after the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. While smartphones and social media have connected us more than ever, they can also make it more challenging to form deep and meaningful connections withothers. But 丑别谤别鈥檚 the good news if 测辞耻鈥檙别 feeling lonely: 驰辞耻鈥檙别 not alone, and you have the power to make a change. Here are five tips from Carol Trejo Kroeger, manager of Counseling Services at 91制片厂, for combating loneliness and reconnecting with others.
In her practice as a licensed clinical counselor, Carol Trejo Kroeger has seen that if people 诲辞苍鈥檛 connect with themselves, 颈迟鈥檚 much harder to connect with other people. 鈥淟earning more about yourself, your values, and what is most important to you will inform what activities you can pursue to make better and more meaningful connections,鈥� she says, echoing the process laid out in an article by . 鈥�However, you can explore and pursue what matters the most to you, which will help improve your overall well-being.鈥�
Completely rebuilding social skills 诲辞别蝉苍鈥檛 happen overnight. 鈥淭hat skill has to start somewhere, and it can start somewhere small,鈥� says Kroeger. Maybe instead of ordering takeout from a delivery app, go pick it up in person and ask the host a question. Instead of FaceTiming with a nearby friend, ask to meet up for coffee or go for a walk together. 鈥淏uild upon that little piece of motivation to connect other people until it becomes momentum, and then you start getting more and more into it.鈥�
鈥淔or my clients that love to do art or music,鈥� says Kroeger, 鈥淚 encourage them to do that as that fosters the connection with yourself.鈥� Find a class or workshop that interests you and gives you the opportunity to interact with others with similar interests in a structured setting. This extends beyond the arts, too.Sites like and offer courses on conversational skills and public speaking. Your local community college is also a great place to meet people or try something new in person.
滨迟鈥檚 easy to let self-doubt creep in and stop you from doing something you know you want to do. But 颈迟鈥檚 important to remember that making connections is a skill that needs practice and self-compassion. 鈥淣one of us jumped on a bike the first time and started riding it right away,鈥� says Kroeger. 鈥淲e had to learn those skills of balancing, pedaling, and steering. Social connection is very much the same.鈥� Be easy on yourself, keep your expectations low, and acknowledge the awkwardness of trying new things鈥攁ll of which can lead to greater success down the road.
Putting yourself out there and trying to connect with others is a vulnerable act, especially if 测辞耻鈥檙别 out of practice. 鈥淏ut 颈迟鈥檚 okay not to be okay,鈥� says Kroeger. Therapy can be a great tool for overcoming this vulnerability and building your skills in a safe environment. Even if 颈迟鈥檚 just reaching out to a friend or family member, combating loneliness starts with the willingness to make a change and acknowledge that you 诲辞苍鈥檛 have to do it alone.
滨迟鈥檚 challenging to relearn how to socialize and connect beyond your comfort zone. By starting with just one of these tips, 测辞耻鈥檒濒 take a courageous step toward the direction you want your life to go, and your future self will appreciate it.
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Originally Published Apr 16, 2024
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