How to Naturally Deal With Loneliness & Feel Better

Do you ever feel like you're the only one struggling with loneliness? That there’s something wrong because you don’t have a close circle of friends or a partner to share your life with?

These feelings of isolation are more common than you might think.

Loneliness affects many people at different stages of life, often quietly. In this blog, we’ll explore the experience of loneliness and how Bach flower remedies can offer natural support in helping you manage and overcome these feelings.

What does loneliness feel like?

Loneliness is much more than just being alone.

It’s the profound disconnection and isolation from the world around you. It’s that nagging sense that no one truly understands you or cares. Loneliness can be heavy, making you feel small, insignificant, and sometimes unworthy of love or connection.

The pain of loneliness can be profound. It may lead you to question your worth, making you feel like you’re not good enough. But loneliness doesn’t have to define your reality. By learning to reach out, face your fears, and connect with others, you can find pathways to hope and healing.

Why is loneliness so common?

There are many reasons why loneliness affects so many of us. As people live longer, they commonly outlive a spouse or partner, leading to feelings of isolation. As we get older, moving away from family and friends is typical, creating a physical distance that can deepen that sense of loneliness. More people are living alone now than ever before, and with the rise of single-person households, the opportunities for feeling disconnected have increased.

On top of that, the pace of modern life can be overwhelming. Busy schedules and stressful environments can make it hard to maintain meaningful connections. All of these factors combine to make loneliness a widespread issue today.

How damaging can loneliness be?

The effects of loneliness can be deeply damaging, both mentally and physically. Loneliness is linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and can lead to a downward spiral of emotional and physical health.

Social isolation has even been equated with risks similar to smoking or obesity in terms of its impact on mortality. Prolonged loneliness can lead to feelings of hopelessness and may even increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Recognising these dangers and reaching out for support when needed is essential.

What is the root cause of loneliness

The root cause of loneliness can stem from various sources, often deeply personal and unique to each individual. It might arise from a lack of meaningful relationships or significant life transitions such as moving to a new place or losing a loved one.

Feelings of inadequacy or not fitting in can also amplify loneliness. Superficial social interactions online can replace deep, genuine connections, leaving us feeling emotionally unfulfilled. Loneliness often stems from the unmet need for connection, understanding and belonging.

Does loneliness get worse with age?

Yes, loneliness can worsen with age for many people.

Life transitions such as retirement, spouse loss, or declining health can increase isolation. As people age, social circles may shrink, and mobility or health issues can make it more challenging to stay socially active.

However, it’s important to remember that loneliness doesn’t have to be a given in later life. By staying connected with friends, family, or community activities, older people can reduce feelings of loneliness and create fulfilling social connections.

What are 3 Physical Effects of Loneliness?

1. Weakened Immune System: Chronic loneliness can lead to increased stress, which weakens the immune system and makes the body more susceptible to illness and infections.
2. Cardiovascular Issues: Loneliness is linked to higher blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease due to the body’s prolonged stress response.
3. Sleep Disturbances: Loneliness can lead to poor sleep quality or insomnia, which affects overall health and wellbeing.

How do I stop feeling lonely?

Reducing feelings of loneliness takes time, but it is possible. Here are three practical steps to help overcome it:

1. Reach Out to Others: Join clubs, groups, or online communities that share your interests. Whether it’s a book club, fitness group, or volunteering, building new social connections can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
2. Stay Social: Push yourself to engage with others, even when uncomfortable. Sometimes, being social, even in small doses, can help you feel more connected.
3. Find Joy in Activities: Engage in activities that bring you joy. Whether hiking, painting, or playing an instrument, focusing on fulfilling activities can redirect your mind and lift your spirits.

How to accept with being lonely

Learning to be comfortable with loneliness begins with acceptance. Understand that being alone is a natural part of life and doesn’t have to feel like a failure.

Start by recognising the difference between loneliness and solitude.

While loneliness can feel painful, solitude can be empowering for self-reflection and growth. Find activities that nourish your soul, whether reading, walking in nature, or pursuing a new hobby.

The importance of self-care when dealing with loneliness

Self-care is a vital component in overcoming loneliness. Taking care of your physical and mental health creates a foundation of wellbeing that supports emotional resilience.

Eat nourishing foods, exercise regularly, and prioritise rest. Equally important is connecting with others, even in small ways, such as volunteering or engaging in community events.

Don’t forget to be gentle with yourself. Loneliness is a natural emotion, but by practising self-care, you can ease its impact and rediscover a sense of belonging within yourself and the world.

Using Bach flower remedies for loneliness

Chances are you might not have heard of Bach flower remedies. Many people know Rescue Remedy, which comprises five flower remedies and is meant for emergencies (but people generally use it for stress, anxiety, or feelings of emotional imbalance). 

There are 38 different flower remedies, each relating to a different emotion. They are a natural, holistic way of supporting emotional wellbeing and have been used widely since the 1930s.

They were created by Dr Bach, a physician and homoeopath who understood the importance of treating a person as a whole, looking at the emotional and physical aspects of a person.

What are the best Bach flower remedies for loneliness?

There are several Bach flower remedies for loneliness. Here, we include a list of the most common.

Heather:

You can be self-centred or self-concerned. You like to talk about yourself, you hate being alone and need an audience. You can be a poor listener – sometimes, you have little interest in others’ problems. The positive potential of the Heather flower remedy is to think of others and be more willing to listen.

add to your remedy

Water Violet:

You like to be alone and can appear aloof or proud. You are solitary and quiet and prefer your own company. You show little emotional involvement and can be a difficult person to know. The positive potential of Water Violet flower remedy is to connect and not grow too isolated.

add to your remedy

Chicory:

You can be possessive, selfish or overbearing with loved ones. You need constant attention and get hurt at the slightest snub. This can be stifling for family through possessive love. The positive potential of Chicory is to be more selfless in love.

add to your remedy

Gorse:

You feel hopeless despair. You are entirely downhearted and unable to believe things may get better. You think there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. The positive potential of Gorse is hope, faith and strength from within.

add to your remedy

Agrimony:

You hide your worries behind a smile. You are outwardly cheerful & like to keep the peace, but underneath this, you suffer inner torment when nothing to distract you. You dislike being alone and can turn to alcohol or food to numb the pain. The positive potential of Agrimony is to be more truthful with yourself and others.

add to your remedy

If you're interested in trying Bach flower remedies, you can create a personalised Bach flower remedy blend at the link below -

create a custom bach flower remedy

Alternatively, you may wish to speak to a Bach practitioner who can provide a supportive ear and expert advice and help you create your own Bach flower remedy. Lucy Edwards is a qualified Bach practitioner who provides consultations online via Zoom.

book a bach flower consultation