We’re almost halfway through the Blogchatter A2Z Challenge, and it feels like both a pause and a celebration. Today, we’ve arrived at the letter L—a letter that quietly cradles some of the most emotional corners of our mental health journeys. I find myself pausing a bit longer than usual. Writing daily for this challenge has been cathartic, exhausting, empowering—and above all—a mirror to my inner self. Every letter brings with it a world of emotions, reflections, and truths we often push under the surface. And today, “L” tugged at my heartstrings.
Loneliness: more than being alone
There’s a kind of loneliness that exists even in a room full of people.
I meet people who have hundreds of contacts in their phones, busy lives, group chats, smiling photos—and still feel like no one really knows them. And that’s what loneliness is. Not the absence of company, but the absence of connection.
Sometimes it’s the ache of not being understood. Sometimes it’s the tiredness of always being the one who listens, but not being listened to. Sometimes it’s the quiet acceptance that no one will check in—so you stop expecting it.
Loneliness doesn’t always scream. It often just settles in silently.
What helps?
- Saying out loud: “I’m feeling lonely.” (Naming it takes its power away.)
- Reaching out—yes, even when it feels awkward. A small message. A walk with a friend. A group with shared interests.
- Letting yourself be seen. Vulnerability can feel risky, but it’s also how real bonds are formed.
And if you’re someone who notices someone else withdrawing—send that message. Don’t assume they’ll ask for help. Sometimes people just need to know they matter.
Lifestyle changes: slow shifts, lasting effects
When we talk about mental health, we often forget the role our daily routines play.
What we eat. How we sleep. How often we move. What we consume online. How much rest we allow ourselves.
Lifestyle changes don’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need a 5 AM routine and a green smoothie. But:
- Eating at regular times can stabilise mood.
- Moving your body—even a 10-minute walk—can reduce anxiety.
- Sleeping well restores both mind and mood.
I often say this to people: Don’t aim for perfect habits. Aim for gentle consistency.
Try:
- “Today I’ll step outside for 10 minutes.”
- “I’ll keep my phone away during meals.”
- “Let me go to bed without guilt tonight.”
Mental health is not separate from physical well-being. The two are in a constant dance—and tiny changes can lead to meaningful shifts.
Listening to yourself: the skill we weren’t taught
As children, we’re taught to listen to parents, to teachers, to authority. But we’re rarely taught to listen to ourselves.
To that voice inside that says:
- “I’m tired.”
- “This feels wrong.”
- “I need a break.”
- “This brings me joy.”
Listening to yourself isn’t about being selfish—it’s about tuning into your own needs and values.
Sometimes, mental distress grows louder because we’ve silenced ourselves for too long. We say yes when we want to say no. We stay quiet when something hurts. We keep going when our body says stop.
What would it look like if, just for today, you paused and asked: “What do I need?”
And then honoured that answer?
It could be a nap. Or space. Or company. Or laughter. Or silence. You deserve to give yourself what you so often give others.
A moment to reflect, before we move on to M…
Loneliness, lifestyle changes, listening to yourself—none of these are one-time events. They are ongoing invitations to check in, slow down, and gently come home to yourself.
As we journey further in this A2Z challenge, I invite you to not just read these posts—but reflect with them. Journal if that helps. Or simply sit with a thought that stayed with you.
And as always, be kind to yourself.
We’ll meet again tomorrow with the letter M—and trust me, we’re going to explore some beautiful themes there too.
Take care of you, gently and completely.
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z