The loneliness women experience Michelle Minnikin, an organisational psychologist, began studying and writing her book "Good Girl Deprogramming" in 2019 after watching many women struggle to express their authority and achieve recognition. She developed a free online survey that over 1,400 women completed in six months in order to collect quantitative data. The findings showed that women repeatedly put the needs of others before their own objectives and well-being since they frequently feel as though they don't belong and can't express themselves fully. Women are lonely because they are tired of being all for everyone. Some of the main reasons women feel tired are:

- The "rest gap," which emphasises women's inclination to deny
themselves permission to rest, is produced by a variety of circumstances. The idea that women sleep less than men is mostly a product of cultural expectations and demands that take precedence over rest. Women also have to deal with hormone-related issues associated with hot flashes and nausea during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, which makes it harder for them to sleep.

- Parenthood adds another level of complexity. Despite the fact that more men than ever before are actively involved in their children's upbringing, many people still believe that working moms should be primary carers and that men should just "babysit."

- Even if you are not a parent, you may convince yourself that you deserve a relaxing weekend but then succumb to guilt and clean your house, car, and garage instead of taking a break. Because of this, many women push aside their own needs for downtime and work through them until they burn out.

- In addition, women frequently face pressure to put in twice as much effort at work in order to prove themselves. Along with worry, this increased strain at work results in physical and emotional stress. Expectations remain unchanged despite the realities of 40-hour work weeks. Rather, women are supposed to do the same unpaid labour that we did years ago.

When do we find time for friends and leisure? Women are often pressured to put relationships and caregiving first, which leaves little time or energy for friendship. It can be difficult to keep close friendships going as you transition into new stages of life (marriage, motherhood, job changes, etc.). Additionally, because of societal expectations, a woman who is single may feel lonely in her single status. It is damned if we do or don't. Even though loneliness is a natural part of life, feeling chronically lonely can be harmful to your mental health. Even though society tells us that asking for help is shameful, we should take the time to recognize when we need it. There is no shame in wanting better for yourself. Loneliness can hinder one's ability to make new friends, find employment, and maintain one's current situation in addition to creating a vicious cycle of isolation, disconnection, and mental health problems. Loneliness does not define you. It's a common human feeling, and there are ways to feel more connected. You deserve to have healthy, supportive connections in your life. If you're lonely, know that there are tools available to help you make the connections you need to thrive.

Four strategies to overcome loneliness:

1. Speak with loved ones, friends, or a medical professional.
2. Make sure you are taking care of yourself when you are feeling lonely. Give yourself a long bath, practice meditation, and get some exercise.
3. Find constructive ways to pass the time, such as reading, watching TV shows you love, or listening to music.
4. Joining an online or live support group is a great way to make new friends. Although meeting new people might be difficult, it can be reassuring to know that you are not alone.

If you know someone who is feeling lonely, reach out to them, either over the phone or in person. Sometimes, just a few minutes of your time might mean a lot to someone in need

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