Volunteer. Identify a cause that is important to you and get involved; commit some of your time to a community organization or a local place of faith. Volunteering can give you the gratification of taking action to further your values and will bring you into contact with others who share your interests and ideals.

Take up a sport or join a gym. This is good for your physical and psychological health and it may also provide the opportunity to build new friendships.

Start a book club and invite some people to join who you don’t already know well. Discussing interesting ideas and sharing thoughts and observations is a wonderful way to make new friends.

Meet your neighbors and co-workers. Make an effort to get to know some of the acquaintances you see on a regular basis.

Join professional organizations. Taking this step is good not only for your future career but it will also extend your social network to encompass others in your field. Sometimes friends in the same profession can understand the stresses you face better than anyone.

Use online resources. Social networking sites can help you stay connected with friends and family. There are also many sites that can provide specialized support if you are going through stressful times or changing circumstances, such as becoming a new parent, facing a life-threatening illness in a loved one, or some other challenge. Make sure to stick with reputable sites and use common sense about making arrangements to meet people in person that you have only known online.