Coping with Feelings of Loneliness During the Summer: Tips For Teens and Young Adults
By: Lexi Miller, LCSW
Summer is a time many people look forward to, as it can be a time to relax and have fun and socialize with friends. However, for many, summer can also feel like an isolating time filled with periods of loneliness. Whether it’s because of social media, transitioning to a new school or job, or just navigating the everyday high and lows of life, feelings of isolation can feel intense, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. Here are some tips to help cope with loneliness during the summer months.
Acknowledge your feelings: It’s important to acknowledge when you are feeling lonely to help address those feelings. Some helpful ways to cope with feelings of isolation is to allow yourself to sit with the emotion without judgement, through journaling or talking to someone about how you are feeling. Similarly, practicing self-compassion during this time is especially important. Treat yourself with kindness and focus on engaging in self-care activities that help you feel good.
Plan activities: Without having the routine of school, work, or extracurricular activities, it is easy to experience more periods of isolation, which may amplify feelings of loneliness. If you are someone that is usually very busy during most months outside of the summer, this could be a good time to plan more activities to keep a healthy routine. Use this time to take advantage of being able to explore new activities that you are interested in. Creating a summer bucket-list is a great way to track places you want to visit, restaurants you want to try, or a new skill you want to learn.
Set personal goals: Create a list of personal goals that you want to accomplish. Whether this may be calling a family member weekly, signing up for a sports league, learning a new recipe, or mastering a new skill, having goals can keep you feeling motivated and inspired to step outside of your comfort zone. Having a list can also help hold you accountable.
Foster connections: Focus on staying connected with friends and family, even if it means just a quick text or call. You can also use this time to re-connect with old friends, coworkers, or classmates. Look to join clubs or group activities, where you can meet people with similar interests and values. A great way to maintain relationships is to schedule plans in advance. Remember, plans with friends can also be something quick and causal, such as getting a coffee or going for a walk together. Prioritizing friendships and relationships during this time can be so helpful, no matter how it gets done.
Limit social media: While social media can be a place to connect with others, it can also further perpetuate feelings of loneliness. If you find that you are comparing yourself to friends, or even to strangers on social media, it is important to remember that social media is a highlight reel. Taking breaks from social media or scaling back on using it can be helpful if you notice that it is creating more harmful effects than positive ones.
Feeling lonely is normal, especially during transitional times or when you may not have a lot going on. If you are struggling with feeling lonely, it can help to be proactive and take the initiative to reach out to others to connect and to schedule plans in advance. Talking with friends, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and practicing self-compassion are all important ways to help cope when you feel isolated or alone. If you are someone that struggles with loneliness, remember that support is available. Reach out to hello@upsidertherapy.com to schedule a consultation today.