Even some of the most famous people in the world complain about feeling lonely sometimes. Actors, world renowned chefs, and world travelers all go through periods that they explain feel empty and lonely, even though they are surrounded by people.
Loneliness is a part of life. But for singles, sometimes that lonely feeling can feel particularly painful. Maybe you’re in between relationships, just coming out of one, or experiencing a drought in your dating life.
The good news is that the loneliness will pass. While it’s always encouraging and helpful to turn to the Father when we feel alone, sometimes the walls can continue to close in on us if we don’t step out of them for a bit and refresh our view (physically and metaphorically).
Need ideas for those evenings when you don’t want to be home alone, but aren’t sure what to do? Keep reading!
1.Catch a movie
I know this is an obvious suggestion, but hear me out. There are all different ways to watch movies these days.
Most cities these days provide multiple cinematic options from ordering a full dinner while enjoying your feature presentation to just sitting back with a popcorn and a pop. Escaping reality and jumping into someone else’s for two hours (even and especially if it’s fictional) can be a nice break from life’s pressures.
If the weather is nice and it’s available, catch a film where a park shows a movie outdoors after dark. Throw out a blanket, bring a cooler of snacks and actually talk with friends while the picture is playing.
Drive-ins are still available in some states and if you can locate one near you, they can be a lot of fun! Call a friend (or several), throw on PJs and pop some popcorn. You can’t beat a showing where you don’t even have to exit the car!
2. Try a new class at a gym
No gym membership? No problem. Almost 100% of gyms will give you a free pass to workout once or for a week if you simply ask.
Just check out a couple gyms near you and look their class schedules.
Spin look appealing? Gear up!
Want to try a Pilates class? Go for it!
A gym date with yourself will not only give you a boost of adrenaline (thank you exercise endorphins!), but it will expose you to a new group of people.
Gym classes are a great way to meet people! Often women or men who take group fitness enjoy doing so because they like the camaraderie of working out with others.
I walked into a cardio kickboxing class on a whim 12 years ago and several the people I met are some of my closest friends to this day. I also developed a love for a type of exercise I had never tried before.
Often exercise, the exhilaration of trying something new, and being surrounded by people who are pumped up about life can be a great cure for the lingering loneliness that just needs to be kicked to the curb.
3. Take a hike
If the house is too quiet and the sound of your own thinking is driving you crazy, it’s time to head outdoors.
There is no match for the breathtaking beauty of God’s masterpiece which is written and colored all around us. One of the best things you can do if the weather isn’t icky is get outside and get moving.
Most towns and cities have trails and parks that we don’t even know about. Search for a new place that you haven’t been, map it, and set out on an evening adventure with yourself (or a friend if you’d be more comfortable that way).
If you go at it alone, be sure to take a phone and make sure you go somewhere that experiences high traffic so that you’re not wandering through a forest by yourself.
Can’t find a place nearby that you feel comfortable with? Map out a route to a favorite hangout or a friend’s house and walk it. Getting outside, taking in nature, and filling your lungs with fresh air can quickly dispel that uneasy lonely feeling we all get sometimes.
4. Do a random act of kindness
Nothing gets you out of your head like focusing on someone else. Isn’t it amazing how when we are suddenly needed or required, feelings of loneliness can subside?
A great idea for a night that’s a little too quiet is to use the time to add some color to someone else’s life. Some ideas could be:
- Dropping off flowers to a friend
- Delivering a meal to someone who is sick or has been struggling
- Checking in on a local pastor and offering to buy him a coffee
- A visit to a nursing home just to sit with someone who has no one else
- A visit to a local park to help pick up trash and tidy up
It’s fun to get creative with random acts of kindness. There’s a sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing that we are using our time to do good.
In college I had a friend who would leave slips of paper with Bible quotes or little notes of encouragement in random books at the library. Spreading kindness is fun and always a good use of our time!
5. Schedule a spa evening
Last, but not least, sometimes you need an evening that is all about you.
Maybe you spend all of your time focusing on others and could use a little pampering yourself.
Whether you’re a guy or a girl, a massage or facial is a brilliant way to relax and treat yourself, especially when you’re feeling a little lonesome.
A massage can work out kinks and stress built up from work, rough relationships, and daily life stressors. A facial can rejuvenate your skin and focus on pressure points to heal decrease headaches and increase a feeling of calm.
It’s amazing how much tension and stress can be relieved just from a single trip to the spa.
Working lactic acid and toxins out of our bodies has been scientifically proven to improve our emotional state. You could say this last idea is almost mandatory!
Don’t let those solitary evenings get you down. If the walls are closing in and you just need to escape for a bit, pick an idea above and get moving (or relaxing).
Life is full of so much opportunity for mini adventures so why not set out on one this evening, or an evening soon? You’ll be glad you did!
