Is it loneliness good or bad? 

     I've read the article "Seven ways to overcome loneliness" by Emily Reynolds. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/sep/23/seven-ways-overcome-loneliness-mental-health) I didn't find any interesting articles in the Culture section so I've discovered the Lifestyle section.

     I think this article is really vital. Nowadays many people feel lonesome,  although they are surrounded by a bunch of people. Mostly the Internet creates an illusion of  that we are not alone.  Nevertheless, some people are really friendless. The article says that being lonely can be bad influence on our physical and mental health and "can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day".

     There are 7 ways to overcome loneliness in the article, as it said in the title:)
I don't find all advice rather useful. As for me, some of them are obvious, but some tips are really valuable.

   So, here they are :

1)Recognise the impact of loneliness. 

2)Work out exactly why you are lonely. 
As  Mind (The mental health charity) said there are two main reasons for loneliness : "not having enough basic social contact or, despite being surrounded by people, not feeling understood, listened to or cared for." 

3)Speak to someone. 

4)Get online. 
It cannot replace live communication, but it helps. Sometimes.
NONETHELESS, keep meeting up with people ;)

5)Increase meaningful social contact. 
" One study in 2011 found that elderly people who spent time with family were less lonely than those attending social groups with strangers. The perfect excuse to call your mum." 

6)Change your thinking. 
It is not so easy. But it works. I've checked;) How does it work? Just substitute negative thoughts for positive ones.

7)Learn to be OK in your own company. 
I think it is the most valuable advice. Self-sufficiency is a really essential personality trait. It is important to be able to enjoy time on your own. Sometimes people underestimate it, they don't expect that it might be more fun.


Well, what would I like to learn about it?
Actually, someday it will help me to avoid getting depressed :)


Thanks for reading 💛

P. S. Please, do not think that I feef lonely. I'm fine;)