5 Ways To Combat Loneliness As A Single Girl

Mash Elle beauty blogger | lifestyleblogger | dating tips | battling loneliness | dating advice | single life

So you’ve found yourself single. Maybe it’s been a few days, or a few weeks, or a few years. There are so many perks of singleness. The spontaneous weekend trips. The flexibility to move cities to advance your career. Spending money on frivolous things (hi, new designer handbag!). The opportunity to decorate your living space in all pink. Grey’s Anatomy marathons on Friday nights (okay, this one isn’t dependent on my relationship status). Singleness can be good, oh so good. But with singleness can come with bouts of loneliness. Those nights you’re tired of sleeping alone or miss kisses on the forehead. So how do we combat this loneliness? As a single gal, I wanted to share 5 *healthy* ways I combat loneliness (unfortunately cookie dough doesn’t make the cut!).

1) Get Involved In An Active Community

Let’s face it – working out can suck. Big time. But when you’re in a lonely rut – a workout group can be just what you need to stay accountable and develop a sense of community. When it comes to fitness, it’s important to find what works best for your body. Luckily, there are numerous options for group fitness classes – boot camps, yoga classes, running clubs, spinning classes and more. It’s a great way to make friends – some clubs even offer social events afterwards! It’s a win-win: you’ll get into great shape and meet people who have a similar interest. If you’re lacking motivation to get started in a workout community: do what I did and bribe yourself with cute new workout clothes. Don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank to add a few new workout outfits into your wardrobe. Everything I’m wearing in this post is from Stage (exact outfit details linked below!) and super affordable!

2) Give Back To Those In Need

If working out isn’t your thing – there are plenty of other communities waiting for you to join! Volunteering is a great way to give back and meet new people. Nothing eases a lonely heart like helping people in need. Taking the time to aid those struggling in your community can put things into perspective. Sure, you’re single – but you have a roof over your head, a healthy body, food in your refrigerator and clothes on your back. Not everyone has these luxuries. Lacking free time? Giving back doesn’t mean volunteering 10 hours a week. Many initiatives make it super quick and easy to give back.

3) Become A Mentor

You don’t need to be in your 50s to become a mentor. Mentoring simply means teaching a mentoree (had to Google that one) about a specific skill, without pay. A mentor shares experience and resources with their mentoree and challenges them to step outside their comfort zone. In a time of loneliness, being a mentor forces you to stop pitying yourself and help someone further their career potential. Helping others always feels good and you never know, you may just change someone’s life.

4) Make Plans With Family/Friends

Okay, so this one is a given. But really, just do it. This is a reminder not to isolate yourself and become a hermit. Some of us (particularly introverts) need to actually make plans in order to get out of our place. Make some fun plans you’re looking forward to. Skip the dinner dates and do something outdoors. Ask them to help you cross something off your bucket list. Above all else let them know you need their support during this time. They care for you more than you know. If you’re more of an animal lover – ask a friend if you can have a puppy playdate. Puppy cuddles solve everything!

5) Reframe Your Loneliness

Feelings of loneliness aren’t easy and some days it can feel crushing. You may get into a cycle of negative thinking. I’ll never find someone. I’m unloveable (easy, Ben Higgins!). Replacing these negative thoughts with positive ones (I haven’t found the right person yet, I won’t settle until I find what I deserve) can make a serious difference on your overall mental health. And if the loneliness seems too much, a therapist is always a good idea! Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

As ironic as it may sound – you’re never alone in your loneliness. Most people enter periods of loneliness, no matter their relationship status. Whether you’re single or not – sharing love with others is always the answer.