It may seem obvious that the antidote for loneliness is meeting new people and making new friends. But despite knowing deep down inside that’s the way to do it, getting out there can be scary. If the mere thought of social interaction makes you want retreat back to the safety of your sofa, consider using the Micro-Yes.

A Micro-Yes is the smallest possible thing you can say Yes to. You can make a comfortable deal with yourself to say Yes to one little thing at a time that will help you practice connecting with others. Even tiny positive points of contact will build your confidence muscles, and as your self-esteem gains momentum you’ll feel more confident taking another step toward reducing that social anxiety.

Choosing easy, low-pressure situations is a good place to start. Community events like a lecture at the library or a farmer’s market are places where you can mingle without pressure or expectations. These micro-interactions “build the foundation for more social interactions that last longer or have more depth over time” says psychologist Dr. Jenny Wang. An effective way to ease yourself into putting yourself out there, these small outings can steer you toward building social connections and help to reduce those feelings of loneliness.

Broaden your Yes circle by practicing one-on-one engagement. Saying Hi to your neighbor or commenting on the cuteness of a dog to their owner spreads kindness and builds connection in your community. These teeny weeny interactions are non-committal and polite ways to practice reaching out in a space that’s comfortable and familiar and can open doors to further conversation. They may even lead to you walk through the door to say Yes to getting together for a snack and a chat.

Open yourself up to new possibilities, use your power of connection to negate those feelings of isolation by incorporating the Micro-Yes into your life. Raise your comfort level by making it a practice to connect with someone each and every day. Just say Yes to the possibilities, say Yes to yourself.

That first Micro-Yes can be the hardest and you might need a hand with moving out of your comfort zone. As your partner in pursuing and achieving your dreams, an Accountability Coach can get you started on saying Yes. They are there for you to pat you on the back when you succeed and encourage you to keep on when you stumble. For information on how you can benefit by collaborating with a member of our Accountability Coach team, have a confidential conversation with Cindy by calling 631-921-4085 or you can reach her directly via email here.

If this sounds like you, someone you love or someone in your network, The Recovery Coach NY is here to help with every level of support. We honor all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that encourage those in need find a way to a life of joy and purpose. We listen actively, without judgement and provide solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the peace you and your loved one seek.

We offer Recovery Coaching, Mental Health Support & Coaching, Sobriety & Mental Health Companionship, Executive Function & Accountability Coaching, Academic Coaching & Scholastic Support, Safe Transport, Case Management, Psychedelic Integration Coaching, Intervention and Emergency Services. For more information about our services, visit our website.

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