WAYS TO CONQUER LONELINESS

Don't let yourself fall into a "rut," the best motto, is get up, get dressed, get involved. Your job doesn't count! You should have something more than your work to be involved in.

Doing something nice for someone is very mentally healthy, and it will give  you something to do! This could be many of things. Make a nice craft, bake  a delicious dessert, or even better, offer your time to volunteer at a  nonprofit organization. You'll be surprised how rewarding it is!

The feeling of nurturing is also wonderful, starting a garden, or just  growing a plant is the best way to do this. Grow an herb garden, or a plant  from roots, anything to your desire. It is so satisfying to see what you did  to create something.

Check your local listings for the many groups that are out there for people  who all get together because they all have one problem, loneliness. They have many fun things they make plans to do, and you can make great friends  while you're at it!

Exercise, makes you look and feel great! I know, you're groaning at this one you heard it before, but it's true. You don't have to do an incredible workout! You will be surprised what a walk through the park, or a bicycle ride can do for the body and soul!

Don't become dependent on the internet! The internet is a great source of  finding information, but after you find it, go out and do it!

Be careful of warning signs! If you find that you have things available, and  you are withdrawing from wanting to be active it might be something to  discuss with your Doctor, this nothing to be afraid of! But just don't let  yourself fall into depression, which can sometimes follow feeling of  loneliness, catch it before it catches up to you.

Don't sleep it off. This is probably the number one sign that you should  watch for. We use sleep as a great escape. If you are taking naps for  something to do, or it seems that you do nothing but sleep and eat, this is a  sign to talk to someone, remember you're not facing a serious illness here,  you're just avoiding worse things that loneliness can bring on. 

Enjoy life, and be grateful, there are many people who would love to do  something like walk through the park but aren't able to. Life can be a  wonderful thing it you make it that. It might seem almost impossible now,  but after the first step or two, you'll realize what you been missing. 

From Tammy a RAOK member