There are two categories of single people in the world: those who are single by choice and those who are single because they have not yet found their significant other. People who are single by choice simply decide to stay single, either temporarily or permanently, to focus on their own lives and dreams.
For the rest of us who are single because we are still searching for “the one”, loneliness is a challenging part of singlehood we need to overcome. This is particularly because of that innate desire for companionship; to love and be loved.
Singlehood is one of the most important periods of anybody’s life. You are free from the distractions of a spouse and children, and you do not have to carry anybody’s headaches for peace to reign.
So, if you are beginning to hate yourself for being single, embrace singlehood instead and focus on maximizing what you currently have. And when singlehood makes you think that you are alone, remember that you are never alone.
In this post, I will be showing you ten ways to overcome loneliness when you are single until you have gotten a partner who can be by you when you need someone to spend time with.
Why You Are Feeling Lonely
One of the most important reasons why you are feeling lonely because you are single is because you want someone who can satisfy your physical desires. You need that warmth when the weather is cold.
Growing up, you spent most of your teens and early twenties with your friends. There was a lot of fun and activity. Shortly after, they all start to get married one by one, and they start to cancel on you in favour of their own life and family.
These turn of events can make you feel like everyone is leaving you behind. And even the new people you are in contact with do understand you like your original friends. These can make you feel lonely, particularly when you are single and they are no longer there like they used to be.
It’s perfectly normal to feel lonely when you are single. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are some things you can do to cheer you up and stir up your spirit.
How To Overcome Loneliness When You Are Single
Overcoming loneliness as a single person is possible if you focus your mind on the blessings of singlehood as well as realize that you are not as “alone” as you think you are. Being able to overcome loneliness as a single person will help you build yourself to be self-dependent and self-sufficient before you eventually get married.
1. Take a Break From Social Media
Maybe you are wondering how taking a break from social media can help overcome loneliness when you are single, when in fact you are checking up social media to kill your boredom. But here it is.
Spending so much time on social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-worth. Pictures of love, romance, engagement, and weddings will regularly show in your feed, and this can trigger or worsen your feelings of loneliness.
Don’t forget that many social media users fake their presence on social media, such that they don’t have all the good things you think they have. Think about that before you start seeing yourself as the only hopeless single person in the whole wide world.
Instead of scrolling aimlessly through social media without any restriction, know when to leave and do something else. Set a time limit for social media use per day and stick to it as much as possible.
2. Talk To a Friend
Being single makes you think that you are alone but the fact is you are not. There are many people you can reach out to if you look well enough.
There are friends you are physically attracted to who will be glad to listen when you call. Reaching out to such people can help you get some laughs and overcome loneliness as a single person.
There are other friends you can call when you need company. You simply have to look within your circle and you will find someone who will cheer you up during times of loneliness as a single person.
3. Make New Friends
The best way to conquer loneliness is by connecting with other people. If you are single and feeling lonely, you can turn it into an opportunity to nurture old friendships or make new connections in the community.
Friendships are special relationships that give you the socialization you need without worrying about the complexities of dating. And there is more than enough room for friendship as you don’t know someone who is also going through loneliness, and might benefit from that simple “hello” you said.
Again, the act of socializing alone can make you get over loneliness very easily. It is also important to surround yourself with other friends who are single, as that can make you feel better than when you are always close to married friends who make you realize how single you have been.
4. Focus on Yourself
Being single is a very important period for personal development, independence, and autonomy. You have to maximize it. Instead of worrying too much about finding love, you might just need to focus on developing yourself a moment.
If you develop yourself well enough when you are single, you will not have so many problems when you get married. This is the time to focus on your personal dreams, career, and ambitions.
Also, relationships can be mentally exhausting. It comes with putting the needs of your partner above yours and going out of the way to do things for them. There are other dramas in a relationship you don’t need to worry about when you are single. Why not cherish the freedom and focus on yourself until then?
5. Engage in a Hobby
Engaging in a hobby can be a creative way to kill boredom when you are at home. Hobbies are great for expanding knowledge, and keeping you productive, while still enjoying the moment.
You probably have some hobbies already and it is never too late to pick new ones. Engaging in activities like painting, knitting, cooking, writing, travelling, playing a musical instrument, or any other can significantly improve your mood when it is your hobby.
With time, not only are you killing boredom and loneliness with your hobbies, but you can get better at them and even plan to make money from them.
6. Get Busy With Tasks
Engaging in a hobby can keep you busy while still giving you some relief because you enjoy doing it. Other tasks like planning a vacation, decluttering the house, completing your projects, and so on, can keep you busy while still giving you relief because they help you achieve a goal.
Getting busy is one of the best ways to overcome loneliness. Once you start, you will not know when you will forget those thoughts that bring you closer to loneliness.
7. Get Some Sleep
Sleep is more therapeutic than most people think. Not only does it help you recharge your emotional batteries but can also help overcome loneliness. It takes you away from the thoughts and the feelings of being alone and you also wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.
To get some sleep, lay down on your bed and remove every form of distractions including your mobile phone and other external noise. Try to block your thoughts to avoid thinking about anything with your eyes closed. Soon, sleep will come knocking like it has always been there waiting.
8. Entertain Yourself
In this current age, you don’t have to go to the film house or orchestra to get entertained, though that has its own fun too. You have a lot of entertainment at your disposal.
Stress is one common reason why single people feel lonely. Try picking up an interesting novel to read, listening to a favourite music on your music player, or streaming videos on the internet with your mobile phone.
It is important to add that when using your phone to entertain yourself, avoid going to internet places that will remind you how single you are.
9. Volunteer for Community Activities
Loneliness hits more when you are not doing anything. If you feel there is nothing on your desk to do, contribute to your community by volunteering. That is a great way to meet new people, as well as make a positive impact while combating loneliness.
10. Understand Your Feelings
Loneliness may feel as though you are the only one left on an empty planet in search of just one person to be with. Even though it can be an overwhelming feeling, it will not last forever. But while it lasts, it is a smart move to keep track of your thoughts and understand what you are feeling and why you are feeling that way.
After that, an excellent way to respond is by redirecting your thoughts and replacing them with self-validation. It is common to feel left out and hopeless but that is the perfect time to tell yourself that you are the best there is and there is nothing wrong with you.
Final words
Overcoming loneliness and boredom when you are single may feel difficult but there are ways to go about achieving that. Loneliness is an important phase in everyone’s life. It is important to learn to overcome loneliness and other unpleasantries that come along with it while embracing all the peculiar opportunities it brings.
Frequently Asked Question
Is finding a partner the ultimate solution to loneliness when one is single?
Having a partner seems to be a great way for one to end loneliness. Being in a relationship or marriage truly helps with that to a very large extent because you can do interesting and fun things together.
In an interview conducted by Emily Deaton in the United States, single people experienced more loneliness than married or non-single people. This was even worse in single people who had some physical disability or anything capable of reducing their chances of finding a potential life partner.
However, marriage may not be the ultimate solution to loneliness if other important things are not done right. A recent survey in the US revealed that about 40% of people who are married or in a relationship also experience loneliness. This showed that marriage or relationships in themselves are not the ultimate cure for loneliness.
The missing denominators include physical and emotional unavailability
