I’ve been researching psychology and self-improvement for years, and let me tell you—loneliness can feel like the most stubborn stain in your life.
Not long ago, I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending funk. But then, everything changed when I started embracing a few simple habits.
If you’ve been feeling the same, I hope these ideas inspire you to try something new.
1. Journaling My Thoughts
Journaling used to sound cliché to me, but putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) became my secret weapon. Every morning, I jot down my random thoughts, worries, and even my dreams from the night before.
Psychologist James Pennebaker found that writing about emotional experiences can significantly improve our mental well-being.
By pouring out my inner monologue on the page, I realized what was truly bothering me—and that was the first step to feeling less isolated.
2. Scheduling “Me-Time” Like a Boss
I used to believe that “me-time” was a luxury, not a necessity. But guess what? Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s crucial. I literally block out time on my calendar that says “Tina Chill Session.”
During that slot, I do something just for me (bubble baths, reading a romance novel, or practicing yoga).
Carl Rogers, a pioneer of humanistic psychology, believed in the importance of self-care for personal growth. When we show ourselves a little love, we eventually have more to give to others.
3. Reaching Out (Even If It’s Awkward)
As an introvert masquerading as an extrovert (thanks, improv class!), I used to avoid calling friends or sending random texts. But building and maintaining connections is essential for emotional health.
Now, I make a point to call at least one friend or family member every week.
Remember Aristotle’s words: “Man is by nature a social animal.” We thrive when we share life with others. Even a quick five-minute chat can change your entire mood.
4. Practicing Gratitude Daily
We’ve all heard the phrase “count your blessings.” Turns out, it really works. Every night, I scribble down three things I’m grateful for. They can be tiny, like a perfect cup of coffee, or big, like landing a new writing gig at the Blog Herald (shameless plug, I know).
This simple practice rewires your brain to focus on the positives. According to positive psychology researcher Martin Seligman, gratitude can significantly boost happiness levels. And it doesn’t take much effort—just consistency.
5. Engaging in Mindful Moments
“Be present.” That phrase used to annoy me, but when I tried mindfulness, I noticed I wasn’t dwelling on what happened yesterday or worrying about tomorrow as much. I’d pause for a minute and just breathe. Seriously—one minute can work wonders.
By practicing mindfulness, I learned how to tune in to my body and mind. This approach helped me catch negative thoughts before they spiraled out of control.
6. Moving My Body, No Matter How Lazy I Feel
I was never a gym rat. Still am not. But I discovered that regular movement, even a 10-minute walk, makes me feel more alive. Some days, I blast pop music and have my own private dance party in the living room. Trust me, Beyonce is essential for this.
According to the American Psychological Association, exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain.
Suddenly, I found that small bursts of movement made me less anxious and more energetic.
7. Embracing a New Hobby (Hello, Painting!)
One random day, I picked up a paintbrush. It felt awkward at first—my clouds looked like scribbles and my trees resembled broccoli. But I didn’t care. Losing myself in a creative hobby allowed me to escape my loneliness.
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (try saying that three times fast) describes this as flow—that sense of being fully absorbed in what you’re doing.
Finding a hobby that sparks joy can help you reach a flow state, which is an instant mood booster.
8. Saying “No” More Often
As someone who used to be a people-pleaser, I’d say “yes” to every request. That left me burned out and resentful. So, I learned a life-changing word: No.
And guess what? The world didn’t end. In fact, my relationships improved because I was no longer running on empty.
Psychologists note that setting healthy boundaries is key to well-being. If you’re consistently overextending yourself, loneliness can creep in because you have zero energy left for authentic connection.
9. Seeking Professional Help When I Needed It
Last but definitely not least: therapy. For years, I thought seeing a therapist meant I was “broken.” But after a few sessions, I realized it was the best gift I could give myself. A therapist offers an objective view and tools to cope with challenges.
Brené Brown once said, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
Opening up to a therapist required vulnerability, and it led me to make positive changes I’d never have managed on my own.
Final Thoughts
These nine habits didn’t just zap my loneliness and unhappiness overnight—nothing works that fast. But slowly, day by day, I felt lighter, more hopeful, and more connected to both myself and the people around me.
I hope my experiences spark an idea or two for you. If even one of these habits resonates, give it a shot. You never know which small step will lead you to a totally different (and happier) place in life.
Remember: you’re not alone. And if all else fails, there’s always Beyonce, a warm bath, or a good friend waiting on the other side of a phone call.
Stay curious, stay kind, and take care of you.
