Loneliness is serious business. According to healthcare professionals, the effects can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is linked to depression, anxiety, heart disease and can increase the risk of an early demise by over 25%. You don’t have to be alone to feel lonely. Many folks experience loneliness in their marriage or in a group of people, and the feeling is more about a lack of true relating, understanding or commonality.
To best address loneliness, start by taking baby steps towards relationships with others. Even just heading out the door, going to the supermarket and smiling or making small talk with a cashier can be a helpful first step. What’s important is to keep moving towards human engagement. Smiling and complimenting or saying a cheerful good-morning to strangers can create bonds and alleviate feelings of loneliness. Joining a gym club or signing up for classes is an easy way to meet people. Taking the time to organize dinners or outings with folks we know and don’t know can always connect and form bonds. Scheduling 10 or 15 minutes every week to pick up the phone and make random calls or, even better, video chat with friends or loved ones is a great way to strengthen and create social connections.
