Feeling alone? Here are 12 activity ideas & conversation starters to help overcome loneliness
The feeling of loneliness is a challenge faced by many Australians, though it's often quietly experienced.
At Like Family, we are on a mission to raise awareness about the growing issue of loneliness. While initiatives like our upcoming Not Alone Day aim to inspire action to reduce social isolation, we know that truly addressing loneliness often comes down to individual actions and finding pathways to connect.
Research consistently highlights just how pervasive loneliness is. For instance, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates that in 2022, one in five Australians reported feeling lonely.
Perhaps more concerning is that studies like the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey reveal a troubling trend: young people aged 15-24 are now experiencing the highest rates of loneliness in Australia.
Loneliness isn't just a fleeting emotion; it can have serious impacts on mental and physical health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and even chronic illnesses.
Studies have linked chronic loneliness to health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and increased psychological distress. But the good news is that there's a lot you can do to overcome loneliness and build meaningful connections, even if you feel like you're overcoming loneliness without friends right now.
Here are practical activity ideas and conversation starters to help you bridge the gap and cultivate a more connected life:
12 activity ideas to spark connection
You don't need a huge social circle to start feeling more connected. Often, it's about taking small, intentional steps.
1. Pursue your hobbies and interests in groups
Think about activities you enjoy and seek local clubs, classes, or workshops. Whether it's a book club, a pottery class, a hiking group, or a community choir, platforms like Humanitix are fantastic for finding local groups based on shared passions.
2. Volunteer for a cause you care about
Helping others is a powerful way to feel a sense of purpose and meet like-minded people. Local charities, animal shelters, or environmental groups are constantly looking for volunteers and offer a shared goal that fosters connection.
3. Get active in a group setting
Join a sports team, a dance class, or participate in community fitness events like Parkrun. Exercise boosts your mood and provides regular opportunities for casual social interaction.
4. Become a regular at local spots
Frequent a neighbourhood café, browse local markets, or visit your local library often. These are low-pressure environments where you can build brief, friendly interactions with staff and other regulars, creating a sense of familiarity.
5. Attend community events
Check out local community calendars for festivals, workshops, public talks, or markets. Even just being in a space with others and experiencing something together can alleviate feelings of isolation and open doors for conversation.
6. Spend time in public spaces
Head to a park, a communal co-working space, or even a local shopping centre with no agenda other than to be around other people. Simply being in the proximity of others can make a difference to your sense of belonging.
7. Connect with animals
If your lifestyle permits, adopting a pet can provide incredible companionship and a natural reason to engage with others at places like dog parks or pet supply stores. If owning a pet isn't feasible, volunteering at an animal shelter offers similar benefits and a chance to meet other animal lovers.
8. Join online communities
Join online forums or groups related to your hobbies. This can be a good stepping stone to in-person connections, as many online groups also organise meetups. Use social media to reconnect with old contacts you've lost touch with; a simple message can often reignite a connection.
9. Engage in creative pursuits
Express yourself through art, writing, music, or crafts. Joining a creative workshop or sharing your work in a local group can be a fulfilling way to connect with others who share your artistic passion.
10. Reconnect with nature
Spending time outdoors, whether it's wandering through a local park, or exploring a walking trail, can bring a sense of peace and connection. Consider joining a gardening club or a nature walking group to combine this with social interaction.
11. Practice self-kindness and self-reflection
Show compassion for yourself by engaging in activities that bring you joy, whether it's listening to your favourite music, indulging in a treat, or simply taking time to relax and reflect. Journaling or voice-memo notes can help you process emotions and connect with yourself.
12. Manage social media use mindfully
Be active, not passive, when using social media. Consider taking breaks, unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings, and following those that inspire or empower you. Using social media to arrange real-world meetups can also be beneficial.
Conversation starters to break the ice
Initiating conversations can feel daunting, especially when you're feeling lonely. Remember, most people are open to friendly interaction. It's less about having the "perfect" line and more about genuinely engaging.
When striking up a conversation, start by observing your surroundings. Look for something you have in common with the person or the environment you're in – perhaps a shared experience, a comment on the weather, or something specific about the event you're both attending.
This gives you an easy, natural opening. You don't need to dive into deep topics right away; start small and simple. A friendly "hello" or a simple, open-ended question about the situation can be enough to open the door and gauge their receptiveness.
The key is to be genuinely curious. People generally enjoy talking about themselves and their interests.
Ask questions that invite more than a "yes" or "no" answer, showing you're interested in their thoughts and experiences. As they speak, listen actively. Pay attention to what the other person says.
This shows respect and gives you valuable clues for follow-up questions, allowing the conversation to flow more naturally and reveal shared interests.
It's also important to be prepared for brief interactions. Not every conversation will turn into a long chat. Some might just be quick, friendly exchanges, and that's perfectly okay.
Each small connection, no matter how brief, can contribute to reducing feelings of isolation.
Finally, remember to smile and make eye contact. These non-verbal cues signal that you're approachable, friendly, and open to conversation, which can make others feel more at ease and willing to engage with you.
3 easy conversation starters
Ready to give it a go? Here are three straightforward ways to initiate a conversation:
Comment on a shared context.
Look around and mention something you both can observe. For example, if you're at an event, you could say, "This food/drink/activity is great, isn't it?" or "How do you know the host/organiser's name?" This common ground makes starting easy.
Ask about their interests.
People often light up when talking about what they enjoy. Try an open-ended question like, "What do you like to do in your spare time?" or "Have you read any good books lately?" This invites them to share more about themselves.
Inquire about something positive.
A simple question about a positive experience can open up a friendly chat. You could ask, "What's something that made you smile today?" This encourages a light, positive interaction.
Find your path to connection
If you're struggling with loneliness, remember that taking action, even small steps, can make a significant difference.
Organisations like Like Family are here to support you in building connections. You can learn more about initiatives such as Not Alone Day and how Like Family helps foster meaningful relationships.
You are not alone.