Loneliness is a powerful, often misunderstood emotion. It’s not simply about being alone; it’s the feeling of being disconnected from others, even when surrounded by people. It can creep in when we feel misunderstood, isolated, or that we don’t belong. Left unchecked, loneliness can affect our mental and physical health, but there is hope.
In this post, we’ll explore how loneliness impacts our lives, as well as explore Juliana Schroeder’s TED Talk, “How to Fight Loneliness: Everyday Hacks for a Connected Life”, which can help us tackle it and build deeper, more meaningful connections.
Juliana Schroeder’s TED Talk: “How to Fight Loneliness: Everyday Hacks for a Connected Life”
In her TED Talk, Juliana Schroeder offers valuable insights on how to combat loneliness with small, everyday actions. One of the most powerful ideas she presents is that loneliness is often a perception. We believe we are alone, when in reality, many others are feeling the same way. This shared experience means that reaching out to others isn’t just helpful—it can be life-changing.
Schroeder also emphasizes that vulnerability is key to overcoming loneliness. Opening up about how you’re feeling can invite connection and empathy from others. And it doesn’t always take a deep conversation to make a difference—small, brief interactions can help reduce loneliness. For example, something as simple as saying hello to a stranger or chatting with a colleague can create a sense of connection that you may not have expected.
However, I would like to note that some people may need deeper, meaningful conversations to truly feel connected. As someone who works in customer service, I can say that short, surface-level conversations can be exhausting. I personally find that deeper conversations are essential when connecting or reconnecting with someone.
Practical Tips for Fighting Loneliness
One strategy that has really helped me is biting the bullet and reaching out first. I recently graduated college last spring, and most of my friends have moved away. I realized a few weeks ago that I was becoming depressed and that part of that was because I felt alone. After all, with schedules not aligning it was hard to catch up with my friends. In particular, one of my best friends I made while abroad in college is states away and we haven’t had a proper catchup in about a year. Though I was nervous about reaching out since it had been so long since we talked, I made myself do it anyway. She had immediately texted back and we ended up on the phone for almost two hours catching up, promising to make it a weekly thing when possible. I can confidently say that I feel a lot better than I did before that text and phone call.
Below are more strategies to help you fight loneliness, inspired by Juliana Schroeder’s talk and personal experience:
- Join Groups or Clubs: If you’re looking to meet new people or form a community, consider joining a group based on your interests. This could be a fitness class, a book club, or a volunteering opportunity. Being part of a group helps foster a sense of belonging and can create meaningful friendships.
- Practice Vulnerability: Don’t be afraid to share your feelings. If you’re lonely, it’s okay to admit it to someone close to you. Vulnerability can lead to deeper, more authentic connections, and it can help others feel comfortable doing the same.
- Challenge Your Perception: Loneliness is often amplified by negative self-talk, like thinking “What’s wrong with me” or “I’ll never fit in.” Try challenging these thoughts by reminding yourself that others are likely feeling the same way. Instead of blaming yourself, think about how you approached the situation and what you could have done differently. Rather than withdrawing, reach out and create an opportunity for connection.
Conclusion: Connection is Key
Loneliness can be one of the most isolating emotions, but it doesn’t have to last forever. Understanding that loneliness is a shared human experience and that small, everyday actions can make a big difference is the first step in overcoming it. Juliana Schroeder’s TED Talk reminds us that authentic connections are the antidote to loneliness, and that starts with vulnerability, reaching out, and making room for small but meaningful interactions.
Take it from me, you don’t have to wait for someone else to make the first move. By taking small steps to engage with others, you can begin to break the cycle of loneliness and start forming (or reforming) the connections that will bring you closer to a more fulfilling and connected life.
