Support notolo's Vision

---

Loneliness can impact anyone at any age and its important to remember we all feel lonely sometimes. However feelings of longer term loneliness are not normal. 

Notolo was started to shine a light on loneliness and to provide support, suggestions and connections to help people fight back against loneliness. Our 5 Ways guide is a popular starting point.

Having self-compassion, or compassion, for what you or someone you know is feeling, is the first step. Feel the emotions and recognise that periods of feeling lonely are normal. It is part of being human. Monitor your loneliness, does it come and go. What improves your feelings of loneliness? What makes them worse? If you have been feeling lonely for an extended period of time, its time to seek professional advice and support. It will be worth it.

You don't have to sit in silence. Make the first move and contact someone you are close to or someone who can support you and start the conversation. Being able to speak to someone who can listen and provide support is so important in taking the control away from feelings of loneliness. If possible meet, speak and move at the same time to feel the positive benefits of being outdoors as well. 

Discover community support groups or activities on your doorstep that can help you feel a sense of belonging and being part of something. Rediscover your old hobbies or discover new ones. Go with someone to begin with if you don't want to go alone at first. Having something to look forward to and plan for every week helps provide focus when feelings of loneliness prefer emptiness. 

At the heart of being human is the need for social connection. Sometimes life changes mean we lose those connections, maybe it's a job loss, moving away, relationship changes, retirement or bereavement. Whatever the circumstances it's important to keep connected and make seeking out connections a deliberate action. Even something as simple as saying "hello" to people on a walk or at a supermarket can help. Make it deliberate, count your daily connections. Make it fun.

A period of feeling lonely is not unique, however your experience of it is and you might be able to help others by sharing your experience through peer-to-peer support, case studies, coaching or mentoring. To find out more about this please email me below.