Does going outside really help with loneliness?

@o2bnocn (2992)
United States
August 7, 2011 12:05am CST
I think it does because I am not as lonely when I go outside on a daily or regular basis. It helps with my mood, and I am not as depressed or lonely when I go outside. I am trying to think of activities to do when I am outside other than just sitting. It is nice to just sit outside but I also get bored when I am outside by myself. I tend to just think when I am outside and enjoy being outside more now than I used to. The only activities I can think of are: walking, sitting and thinking, talking on the phone, reading a book, and studying. Can you think of any more activities to do outside that would make it more fun? Do you go outside on a regular basis?
2 people like this
13 responses
• China
7 Aug 11
What about doing some sports ? Playing basketball,football ,badminton ,and pingpang are all interesting sports . I like basketball best . Without a partner ,it would be boring to play any ball games. And i am alone now . That is why i feel depressed .
1 person likes this
@o2bnocn (2992)
• United States
7 Aug 11
I understand what you are saying. In high school I enjoyed playing soft ball. A lot of my family members actually play soft ball but they are in leagues and high school sports.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
7 Aug 11
I rarely feel lonely because I am the type of person that enjoys her own company. I work from home so, unless I am catching up with a friend I am on my own while my daughter is at school and my husband is at work. Some of my friends wonder how I handle it but I don’t mind it at all. When I get the blues I do go out for a walk with my dog. Finding an enjoyable activity is the best way for me to bring a smile back and being within nature is always a help. When it’s raining I watch comedies.
1 person likes this
@o2bnocn (2992)
• United States
7 Aug 11
I used to never get lonely but I recently became single. So I miss the company of a significant other. I enjoy my alone time but I have noticed that I also enjoy other people's company. Little things really do help with loneliness such as going outside, in my opinion. I tend to stay inside so I am going to try and make myself go outside on a regular basis, even if it is only for 10 minutes. I also heard that it helps with energy...maybe something to do with the sun? I just hope I can get into a routine and remember to go outside, and exercise. I think I can do it though. It might just take me a little bit to get into the routine of it. I am actually looking forward to some changes in my daily routine.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
7 Aug 11
I think going outside and being closer to nature is good for us. We tend to forget the things that bother us when we find other things to see and do. Can you garden, or at least grow something in a container? You could try to identify birds that you see or learn about flowers or edible weeds or learn to identify different kinds of clouds and what they mean for the weather.
@o2bnocn (2992)
• United States
7 Aug 11
That would be a good idea if I lived somewhere that had a lot of scenery. I live in a neighborhood with a lot of houses. So basically all I see is trees and houses, I could look up at the sky and look at clouds though. Thanks for your suggestions.
• United States
9 Aug 11
Well, yes. Just going out and doing things and going to certain places helps with loneliness and can help you get through any depression you might have. Doing anything can help you overcome loneliness and depression.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
13 Aug 11
I do try to go outside on a regular basis. It does seem to liven up my mood. It has been terribly hot here lately. I have been a bit busy too and haven't been able to enjoy the outdoors as much as would like. I do pretty much the same things you do. I do have a few flowers that I like to look at and care for though. I love watching my dogs play outside. They are silly. I laugh most of the time when they are out there with me...lol.
• Philippines
8 Aug 11
Hi. Yes, going outside when your lonely really helps. Just a touch of sunshine in your face, the fresh air, the cool breeze can uplift you. Me, I personally like going to the mall. Lol. The smell of the mall makes me happy, lol.
@len1016 (36)
• Philippines
8 Aug 11
Going outside really help with loneliness because when your outside you can hang with your`e friends you can have some fun, you can do some crazy stuff with them or if not you can go somewhere else spent a lot of times appreciating the nature..
@vegegirl (828)
• Australia
7 Aug 11
Sure, I went swimming the other day, and that surely helps lift my mood. I just start off telling myself I will be happy to do a few laps to start with, and then I can keep going and do more laps. You can also try walking different routes, so you are exploring areas and noticing the nature or houses/buildings in different locations. If you have a camera, you could also take photos of interesting things. If you have outdoor cafes etc you could go and sit at one and read or watch passers by. You could walk to a cafe, sit around and have a cuppa, read some magazines if they have them in the cafe, then walk home via a different route.
@GemmaR (8517)
7 Aug 11
I think that going outside at all helps with our mood whether we're down, lonely, or maybe missing somebody. I like to go for walks, as the exercise releases endorphins into the body meaning that whatever bad mood we happen to be in at the time is helped a little bit and won't be as bad by the time we get home again. I also like the fact that it is nice and quiet outside, which means that you have the time to think and reflect upon whatever situation is upsetting you and you will be able to clear your head and be a lot more clear about what you want.
• United States
7 Aug 11
Before, I used to just stay at home all day and not do anything. Not doing anything would usually mean being hunched over my computer and staying online for hours and hours. Then I realized that this isn't doing me any good. I took advantage of going out to our yard. I realize that the dogs miss me and I end up having a great time just staying out and watching them fool around. I get the feeling that they're playing around on purpose just to make me laugh. Staying indoors is just plain depressing. Just yesterday, after sleeping in almost all day, my sister and I looked at each other and said "so what do we do?" We were both tired but we went out to eat crepes and talked with the owner for a bit. Then we bought kitchen stuff. That was fun, even if it was raining. Generally, if I'm alone, I'd head out to the park and read. I just moved to my new neighborhood and I have yet to make new friends who can hang out at moment's notice. For now though, I'll cherish the moments I have with a book :)
@pbbbsra (1214)
• Philippines
7 Aug 11
You can go to the mall and window shop or buy something if you need anything. Dine out with a friend. Drink a cup of tea or coffee. You can check the cinema and watch a movie. You can even just walk and sit at the park. There are loads of things you can do outside and u don't have to do them alone. Why not take a friend with you, sometimes it'smore fun to go out together with a friend than to go alone.
• Philippines
7 Aug 11
I go outside regularly. I just grab my bike and pedal away to where I want to go. You can start a hobby or engage into sports so that you will have something to do to keep your mind busy. Meet your friends or meet new people while you are outside.
@airamtheb (370)
7 Aug 11
If im lonely, id go outside not to mingle with people but find a big tree and hug or embrace its trunk.It is therapeutic since im getting its bioenergy.