You can feel alone or lonely in a crowd full of people or even sitting at dinner with your family. You may be surrounded by people you want to connect with but you or they are emotionally unavailable.
Reach out to people you've lost touch with, even if it’s been a long time.
Practice saying “Yes” to all invitations. You don't know where this opportunity might lead, and you could surprise yourself.
Make eye contact with and smile at people as you pass them.
Exercise outside or join a group class or running club. Exercise releases hormones that improve your state of mind and is also a great way to meet people.
Be willing to share information about yourself and ask questions about others. Remember, forming relationships and strong connections takes time.
Have compassion for yourself and validate what you're feeling. Talk to yourself like you would a friend. You can remind yourself that it’s ok to be alone and that how you feel is temporary. Even ask yourself what you might need to feel better.
Reach out to one person by phone or schedule a time to meet in person. Notice how you feel before and after you connect. Write it down in your journal.
Perform one random act of kindness. The act can be big or small, and it can be for someone you know or a stranger. The person doesn't even have to be aware of the act. For example, you can run an errand for a friend, or you can put money in a parking meter for someone you don't know. Write down your act and how it made you feel.
Working on connecting with others and decreasing feelings of loneliness can improve your mood and possibly your overall health.
