6 Real AF Ways To Cope If You Feel Like The Out Of The Loop Friend This Summer

Most of us have experienced that out of the loop feeling once summer hits.

You know, that feeling when either your high school squad has moved far away, or your college friends are all going back home together.

Being out of the loop can bring an unsettling feeling of being idle and completely alone. This certainly happens when a group of friends has just grown apart, too... not necessarily affected by time or distance.

It can be a bit alienating, confusing, and simply unreal.

But before you label yourself the outsider and spend your entire summer wondering what may have gone wrong, try doing a few of these things.

1. Plan Some Alone Time

This may sound a little cliché, but having some time for yourself will help you decipher all of the thoughts going through your mind. You'll realize this out of the loop feeling doesn't necessarily have anything to do with you as a person.

Things change, as do people, and the one thing you can control is the person you are and how that's reciprocated in the world.

2. Reach Out To The People Who Matter

Reaching out to people you genuinely want to stay connected with is not being needy. If anything, these people probably don't even know you're feeling out of the loop.

Make it clear you want to touch base with these people over the summer, and let the rest happen on its on. What's meant to be, will be.

3. Volunteer Somewhere

When you're feeling out of the loop, it walks hand in hand with feeling lonely.

Volunteering somewhere that values the time and energy you're providing for a cause, will give you a tremendous feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.

You can truly benefit from a fresh, selfless dedication to a meaningful cause. And who knows, you may make some new friends in the process.

4. Take On A New Hobby

Trying something new is a great way to learn different things about yourself. Because you're probably questioning why you're feeling out of the loop in the first place, you need some clarity on who you are as a person.

What better way to do that than to show you're a person capable of growth and tackling new experiences?

Never kayaked? Grab a paddle, and go.

5. Make A Dream Or Aspirations Board

Ever wanted to travel to Amsterdam, or run a marathon by a certain time of year? Put it on a dream board. You don't want to feel stagnant, in addition to all of that out of the loop stuff.

Looking forward and making goals will keep you focused on how time doesn't stop for anyone. It's a blessing and a curse, but you'll find comfort in attempting to use it wisely.

6. Don't Lose Yourself In Social Media

Social media can be a misleading hype that we all feed into at times. It's OK to check in just to see what people are doing, but don't put too much of your time into it.

Don't worry if you're experiencing that out of the loop feeling this summer. Focus on all of the good things in your life, and celebrate yourself. The rest will come full circle.