Loneliness is a feeling that we all will likely experience at various points in our lives. If you have feelings of loneliness, it might make you feel like not interacting with people further isolating yourself. However, the best way to relieve feeling lonely is to reach out and speak to someone about struggles. Call your family or friends from home. In fact, evidence indicates that they may be feeling something similar. Be conscientious that you aren’t solely relying on those from back home to be your network at the expense of connecting with those in your new place.
One of the greatest steps for many experiencing loneliness is to be sure that they get out of their dorm room. Find a spot outside, in a library, or coffee shop to read.
You may even set a realistic target of speaking to someone each time you go to class or going to a certain number of events per week. When at events, be purposeful in not using an electronic device to make interactions more likely.
Joining clubs is a great way to help meet those sorts of goals. You can reach out to the Center for Careers, Life, and Service about volunteering. You may also find group exercise or yoga classes as a place to connect with others. You can also join a therapy group that SHAW counselors can help you connect to. Togetherall is an online peer-to-peer community focused on mental health and well-being support. Finally, invite classmates to form a study group.
Make a routine by using a calendar (the one associated with your Grinnell email will be very efficient!). This will help you settle into your new place.
Use positive affirmations. Examples include “this loneliness will pass,” “my self-worth is not determined by others, and I appreciate who I am," and “solitude offers me space to explore my own needs, interests, and values.”
If you feel like your loneliness is overwhelming, reach out to your support network. This might include scheduling an appointment with a counselor at SHAW or another health professional.
Finally, we can acknowledge that while spending time with others is a healthy activity for most of us it is also good to be comfortable being by yourself. It is ok to do almost any activity alone, eating, movies, sex, exercising, hiking, meditating, etc.