Everyone experiences loneliness from time to time. It can strike at any age, in any social setting, and even at home.
If your isolation causes you distress, it might be time to look at ways to beat loneliness. Below, we have compiled a list of simple strategies that could help you tackle loneliness and build a better connection with others.
1.Build meaningful connections
The first step to beating loneliness is to build meaningful connections. This could mean taking up a hobby, volunteering, joining a club or organisation, or even volunteering at our charity and helping hundreds of disability people and carers every week. Volunteering is a great way to engage with others and share your interests.
2.Increase your movement and the time you spend outside
Exercise is one of the best ways to beat loneliness, as it helps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Research has found that exercise can have a therapeutic benefit on the body, such as treating psychiatric illnesses and resisting neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise also improves sleep, mood, and decreases anxiety. Not only does physical activity help to improve your bodily health, but it also has a strong social element, and provides great social benefits such as improving relationships and building confidence.
Our advice team can help you to get out and about and stay connected. We can help you apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a disability benefit that helps with daily living and mobility costs.
How much you are entitled to depends on how difficult you find everyday tasks and getting around. Please contact us to find out how we can help, including arranging an appointment with our Benefits Advisor to support you with claiming PIP and other government benefits. We can also provide advice if you need help with your mobility and speak to our experienced advisors.
3.Spend time with loved ones
Spending time with the people you love helps to build social connections, and it’s an easy and enjoyable way to tackle the feeling of loneliness. Whether it’s watching a movie or simply being together, spending time with loved ones is a simple and effective way to feel more connected to those around you.
4.Challenge yourself to build new friendships
Challenge yourself to build new friendships by making a conscious effort to meet new people and start new conversations with strangers. Finding ways to build new friendships will help you to challenge yourself to meet new people and widen your social network.
Come to our Wellbeing and Warm Hub in Dunstable every week
The Disability Resource Centre’s popular and free Winter Warm and Wellbeing Hub is returning to brighten up those chilly winter days. With energy prices expected to remain high in 2025, knowing how to keep warm while managing costs has never been more important. Our sessions provide practical solutions and support in a warm, welcoming environment. Plus there are free refreshments including tea, coffee and delicious homemade soup. And you’ll be saving money on heating. So come to our warm and cosy centre, every Tuesday and Wednesday. Read More »
5.Help others who are lonely
If you see someone who is lonely, don’t be shy about offering to help. You may feel awkward or unsure, but sometimes you simply have to put yourself out there and make yourself available. A small act of kindness can go a long way, and the most important thing is to be available and offer help.
6.Remember your worth
If you’re someone who thinks you’re not good enough for meaningful connections and sticks to the superficial, you’re wrong. No one is exempt from meaningful connections. In fact, we all stand to benefit from them. Meaningful connections are slower and may not always be easy. But in the long run, they’re more rewarding.
7.Stay involved in your community
Efforts to beat loneliness should also include staying involved in your local community. This can be as simple as attending a community event, or participating in local activities. These can help to build social connections, and they’re a relatively easy and enjoyable way to help yourself feel uplifted by being in the presence of others.
Conclusion
Feeling lonely can be an incredibly difficult experience. Being alone and disconnected from others can be isolating and difficult to cope with. If you need some help with any of these ideas then please contact our charity team who offer a listening ear and practical support to disabled people, carers and families across the Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Luton area.
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Our support team are here to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
We are here for you
Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
