Most people think that loneliness occurs only when someone is alone. While this is certainly true it is only part of the story. It is possible to feel lonely but still be surrounded by people. If you don’t feel community or connection with those around you, it is no different than being alone. COVID has increased isolation for everyone and created more loneliness. This is dangerous. Loneliness increases your likelihood of early death by 14%, causes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, suppresses the functioning of your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and disease. Chronic loneliness has the same health risks and early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It is important you pay attention to your emotional pains, like loneliness and take action to heal and improve. So here are some action steps – first check in with yourself, are you feeling lonely? If so, it is essential you find ways to connect. Check back in with old friends and set up lunch at the park, or if you don’t have people close to you search for groups through companies like https://www.meetup.com/ or https://opensports.net/ to find people with similar interests. These groups are usually free and don’t have a lot of up-front commitment so you can try it once or keep going back. Now that you have checked in with yourself start to check in with others. Start with people you know and just reach out with a call or note to see how they are doing and if they would like to take a walk. Human to human connection and exercise increase endorphins and serotonin in the brain which helps a person to feel happier and can help decrease the stress chemicals loneliness creates in your brain. Next reach out to neighbors with a note, or some flowers and a way they can contact you. You never know where you may stumble on someone who will end up being a great part of your life. Just think if a kind note appeared at your door, how would that make you feel? We all struggle and we often forget to take care of our mental health. Be the leader of complete wellness in your own life and a shining beacon to others. Remember you matter.
