How To Turn Loneliness Into Your Next Adventure

Failure I can accept because I’m human and not free of error. Although, what does make me sad at times is loneliness.

I know I’m never alone – none of us are when you really think about it. But when you feel disconnected from your surroundings and people around you, it can create this pit in your stomach and the desire to cave – or in my case move.

There are many paths to loneliness; disconnection from yourself and your values, unclear forms of communication, living in a foreign culture, relationship conflicts, and not following your passions just to name a few.

Loneliness can be experienced anywhere, and it’s something I often feel.

BUT, I fight back.MAVRIXX BRAIN TRAINING Blog

My form of combat – acceptance.

I’m not always going to be around people I know (often unavoidable as a traveler).

I’m not always going to be comfortable.

And I’m not always going to be surrounded by a culture or language that I am used to.

Yet, I can find beauty in my own company and grace in solitude.

It can allow me to tune into things we might otherwise miss – either emotionally, physically or in our surroundings.

Some of the most incredible positive experiences happen when we’re alone, do they not?

In life, we are all connected, and it’s when we find a way to balance solitude and connection when we are the strongest and most stable.

But, for those times when the loneliness sucks, I’ve come up with 5 tools I use to combat those loneliness blues when they strike…

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Walk It Out or Work It Out

Release ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters and get active! Walking in nature does absolute wonders, and challenging yourself physically not only makes you feel stronger (physically AND mentally), but more productive! Plus, it’s a great way to connect with people in a new city if you’ve moved or are travelling.

 

Get Creative

Bring out your inner artist and use your emotions as fuel. Photography, painting, and writing are a few hobbies in my creative tool box that I make use of daily. Feelings are not meant to be pushed away and ignored, they’re meant to spur us into action. Emotions expressed in healthy, creative ways acts as a form of communication and connection.

 

Trying Something New

Try something new and engaging; start practicing a new language just for fun; join a dance class on a whim, randomly talk to an interesting looking stranger (especially elderly people – they’re less dangerous and have libraries of stories. Even going to a new bar or coffee shop and switching up your daily routine and hangout spots can bring positive rewards, plus let’s you mark off those things on your bucket list little by little. Are you right handed? Try writing with your left, and have a good laugh at your chicken scratch. Trying new things is super healthy for your brain and allows you to keep growing and adapting – whether alone or with others.

 

Accept The Feeling Of Loneliness and Let It Pass

You’ll be amazed how well this works. Every emotion – negative and unfortunately positive – is temporary. Simple as that. Accept that yes, you are human. A feeling is a feeling and it is not going to last, because nothing does in the continuum of life.

 

Travel

Yes, travel far and travel wide!! When there is something not right, it’s helpful to get an outside perspective to look internally. Traveling (even short term) gets you out of your comfort zone which is stimulating. This allows you to see your life from new angles and forces you to learn and grow. It’s a great way to connect with people and gain a greater appreciation for this incredible planet we get to call home.

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Constantly remain curious and seek out opportunities, and let yourself be inspired by the blues.

Remember to balance the solitude and connection.

And the next time you feel that feeling of loneliness come on, check back to this post for 5 tools to turn it into something fun.

Finally, remember that everything is temporary.

 

Chelsea Silva

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About the Author: When she is not out in the mountains being inspired by the natural wealth of BC, you can find Chelsea sipping on a coffee brainstorming her next adventure or artistic endeavor. Chelsea is a mental health advocate with a desire to inspire young adults to take care of their health holistically, all while traveling the world. Find her at mizzwanderlust.wordpress.com

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PS – Join Chelsea and Mavrixx and The Vancouver Wellness Meetup this Sunday, August 23rd for ‘Sunset Hiking Yoga’!! Click image below for details…

Seymour Sunrise v2

 

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