WJXT: Combating Loneliness during #StayAtHome

It’s easy to feel isolated during this time. Here are a few tips to keep loneliness at bay.

1.     Replace lonely feeling by visualizing

Loneliness distorts our perceptions of our relationships. One study found that just asking people to recall times they felt lonely was enough to make them devalue their relationships. If you are feeling lonely, close your eyes and think of an event where you were surrounded by family and friends. Or look at a picture from a social event that you enjoyed.

2.     Sigh it out

We sigh more not just when they’re tired but also when we are stressed. Breathing out triggers our relaxation response. So increased sighing may be a sign that someone is instinctively trying to calm themselves down. Be intentional when you sigh – extend your outbreath to feel calmer.