Volunteer opportunities are plentiful. Contributing your time and energy and working alongside others for a good cause can effectively help you in fighting loneliness. Volunteer activities are shown to ease stress, reduce feelings of depression, can help you make friends, and connect with others, and overall make you a happier person. Here are a few ideas:
• Visit seniors in a nursing home
• Volunteer at a children's hospital
• Read to kids at school
• Volunteer in an animal shelter
Whenever possible look to your local neighborhood or community for volunteer activities. This way you can make friends and forge social ties with others near you. Chances are good that you'll run into them in the grocery store, at your church or synagogue, at the coffee shop or local restaurant—providing additional opportunities for social interaction and helping you to feel less lonely.