Loneliness and isolation can have a very negative impact on health, especially when we are away from home.
According to numerous sociological and psychological texts, we find that loneliness and social isolation are common issues in our modern society. Not only is it becoming less stigmatized as we speak out more about it; we are also discovering the effect it has on us through research. The definition of loneliness can be defined as, “Lone; solitary; without company; companionless.”* Most of us will experience a period of loneliness at some point in our lives.
The negative type of loneliness and isolation we’re familiar with is when we find ourselves feeling anxious, depressed and hyperaware of our attachment to others, almost to the point of paranoia.
Sometimes loneliness can be the neutral feeling when we’re alone, doing leisurely activities like reading books, surfing the internet, or taking short solo vacations.
One surprising upside of loneliness is that it can be a time for restoring emotional balance. This is the time when we can set goals, make plans, think about important decisions, and even have it drive our artistic creation.
If you find yourself dealing with an emotional struggle, you can make a plan to spot and cope with loneliness in a healthy manner. Here are some easy actionable tips to help you deal with loneliness while on the road:
- Talk to someone – start a conversation at the store/bar, find some tourists trying to take a group photo and offer to take it for them.
- Find another traveler to hang with – find your tribe!
- Explore and discover your new surroundings, do something you’ve never done before!
- Bring a piece of home on the road with you, such as a scarf to use as a throw on your bed, a stuffed animal, or a symbol of your spiritual life.
- Eat/drink something familiar no matter how simple, like your favorite tea.
- Stay up to date on your favorite TV show or book series.
- Make time to call or chat online with family/friends.
- Engage in self-care, treating yourself, and exercise.
- Relish the time for self reflection.
- Reach out for support from your community! Online support groups, therapists, local expat community, and friends.
- Smile! Research shows even the simple act of smiling can trick the brain into happiness.
People who rarely experience loneliness and isolation on the road have developed the skills and abilities to socialize, exchange thoughts, information and feelings with others, and are able to seek support and provide it when needed. They are open-minded and believe that others are generally well-meaning and humane.
Whoever develops and maintains a keen interest in themselves and the people around them will never feel lonely and isolated wherever they are. In the end, loneliness and isolation are not the attitude of others towards us, but the manifestation of our attitude towards others and towards ourselves as well.
If you’re feeling lonely or overwhelmed, remember that you’re never truly alone. There are many support groups available in person and online. One of these resources is our free, no judgement-zone Facebook group that is tailored to digital nomads and entrepreneurs. If you’d like to talk to a professional one on one, you can book a consultation call HERE with me here and we can see if we’re a good fit. As always, if you’re experiencing any medical emergency (physical or mental), please don’t hesitate to call 911 or the equivalent in your country.
*Loneliness. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26th, 2020, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/loneliness
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