8 ways to combat boredom and loneliness

Boredom and loneliness have been common themes in our lives in the last few months, as we have spent more time indoors and less time socialising with friends and family. Although we might not be able to get out and socialise in the way that we used to, there are lots of other ways you can combat boredom and loneliness before they start to take over. We have shared a few with you below:

1. Talk to someone

The first thing to do if you are feeling lonely is to talk to someone. Remember you are not alone. There are many people who feel the same way as you, and who could do with someone to talk to. Reach out to friends and family and make sure you stay connected.  They will appreciate the chat just as much as you do. 

2. Take a walk 

Taking a walk in the fresh air can really help to alleviate feelings of boredom and loneliness. Connecting with nature and keeping active can have huge benefits on our mental and physical health, allowing us to feel more positive and in turn, less lonely. You can take a walk anywhere and best of all it’s free! So, get out, get some fresh air and help yourself to feel happier and healthier. Click here to find the best walking routes in Hertfordshire.

3. Join a club or society

If you are bored or feeling lonely, joining a club or society can really help! Not only will they keep you busy, but they provide you with opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. If you’re into sports, our HertSquad programmes are up and running! Or if you would prefer to join a society, we have loads to choose from and you can check them out here!

4. Try something new 

Taking up a new hobby or learning a new language or skill, is a great way to prevent boredom. Learning something new keeps your brain active, helping to keep you entertained and stop you feeling so lonely. For example, taking up photography could help you to connect with the world around you , helping you to feel less isolated. You might even find something you really enjoy!

 

5. Get involved in virtual activities

The internet is a great thing and allows us to connect to people all over the world, including friends and family. There is always lots happening in the virtual world, so make sure you take advantage of these opportunities to connect with others online. For example, you could stream a show on Netflix with family and friends using Netfix Party or you could throw a virtual house party via Zoom. Whatever you decide to do, there is lots going on, so take advantage!

6. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to prevent boredom and loneliness taking over, as it allows you to meet new people, increases self-confidence, and gives you the opportunity to help others and give back to the community. There are loads of different roles for you to get involved in from content creating and testing websites, to taking care of the environment, there is bound to be something for you! You can take a look at volunteering opportunities in Hertfordshire here. 

7. Get creative 

Getting colourful and creative can help you to feel more positive, as it gives you an opportunity to express yourself. If you are bored and feeling low, why not cheer yourself up by doing some colouring, drawing or painting! You might even find that you are a natural artist! As part of the Black History Month programme, we are inviting students to submit music, poetry, drama, dance, painting, drawing, photography, or an object you’ve made that relates to Black heritage. So, why not use this as an opportunity to get creative? You can find out more about the event here. 

8. Seek help if loneliness becomes overwhelming 

Lastly, if you find that loneliness is taking over and you are feeling low, make sure you reach out to our wellbeing teams for support. There is support available for all sorts of issues, including loneliness so please make sure you reach out if you are struggling. To find out what support is available, visit our Student Support pages on AskHerts or contact our teams directly at StudentWellbeing@herts.ac.uk.