7 ways to connect personally and professionally

Taking action to build bridges and knock down walls is the first step to overcoming loneliness, no matter how you feel. This is where growth lies, new friendships start and beneficial change happens. This isn’t easy but finding the courage to be vulnerable and take these steps will help you re-connect.

C- Connect with a community or a cause you care about to make a difference to something that is of real value to you. Do activities that you enjoy and make a connection with people who also do things you like to do. This will increase confidence. 

O- Openly communicate to more people at work by making time to link up with co-workers, joining in with opportunities to mix, engaging in social events, chatting when there is space. Taking coffee breaks with others, even by digital means, will grow connection. You never know what might develop out of this.

N- Notice more about the people you do come into contact with and be curious about them and their lives, instead of worrying about how you might seem to them. This change of focus can reduce anxiety and will strengthen a current relationship.

N- Notice if you are comparing your life to others, especially on social media which can give a false impression of most people’s lives and increase feelings of loneliness.

E- Embrace differences and be inclusive to everyone in your communities, society and workplace, to break down stigma and open up communication pathways looking for the similarities in values and interests between people, to find like-minded others. 

C- Check out and challenge any critical self-perception and negative thoughts associated with loneliness. It is natural to think this way when feeling low and left out but these are perceptions and not facts which are best to be checked out and challenged.  

T- Take it slow and break meeting others into manageable chunks so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Try this in your professional and personal life.

A final note: Seek professional help if anxiety or depression is getting in the way of interacting with others. If it is affecting your mental health, the free NHS IAPT service accessible though your GP or self referral online, will be able to help and support you. 

Read and understand more about the feelings and thoughts of loneliness.