Just like any big city, London can be a lonely place. Youre surrounded by people every day yet dont know any of them. If youve been trying to create a network of friends in London without success, dont give up. Here are a few tips for staying positive when times are tough.

1) There are things you cant control

Sometimes, they just dont work out. It doesnt matter how you could have played the situation differently, quite often there will be circumstances beyond your control at work. Dont take full responsibility if you havent managed to find a group of friends yet – its not yours to shoulder.

2) Take care of yourself

If youre feeling a bit down, try and do something relaxing that will take your mind off your thoughts and help you get things back into perspective. Even if work is really hectic, find the time to enjoy life.

3) Analyse your approach

If budding friendships have repeatedly fizzled out, take a step back and look at how you handled each situation. Being self-critical wont be helpful but any self-knowledge you gain from the experience will help you react differently in the future. Try and work out whether youve been approaching the wrong people or whether its something to do with your body language, conversation skills or confidence.

4) Keep looking for new opportunities

Just because the last opportunity didnt work out, dont let that put you off trying again. Remember that opportunities for meeting new people are everywhere and the next one could be right around the corner.

5) Keep up with friends and family from home

If youre feeling lonely in a new city, catching up with old friends and family members from home can help you feel better. As well as giving you a sense of familiarity, it might help to talk through your feelings with people you can trust and see what advice they have to offer.

6) Retrain your brain

Do you continually beats yourself up mentally? Constantly question your actions? Retrain your mind to stop doing that to yourself. The more you talk negatively to yourself, the more that negativity will take over you. Practice positive thinking. If a negative thought comes into your mind, replace it with a positive one. Over time this will become a natural reflex as your brain automatically turns a negative thought into a positive one

7) Exercise your body and mind

Exercise is good for our bodies and our minds? By exercising you release natural endorphins that make you feel better. Exercise has physical as well as mental and emotional benefits. Moving around will keep your body in shape, as well as boosting your self-esteem. The longer and harder you exercise the better you will feel. Try and get at least 30 minutes a day. An hour would be even better.