How and Why We Must Combat Loneliness

We might be lucky enough to grow up surrounded by family and friends. But eventually, whether from a move, or a loss of contact, a new school or in our first apartment, we all experience loneliness. By all accounts, loneliness is impacting many Americans in epidemic proportions. Some say ts the single greatest mental health crisis of our time. Yet we don't really seem to take it seriously as a problem. But we should. Loneliness may take a toll both emotionally and physically, and especially now, when we are all trying to stay isolated due to the pandemic, loneliness is worse than ever.

The Heavy Toll of Loneliness

Even before the pandemic hit hard, the majority of Americans categorized themselves as lonely. This is according to a January 2020 study. Three in five adults experience the challenges of loneliness. That's significant since loneliness can cause very real problems for those hit hard.

Men reported that they felt lonely more often than women. In addition, and surprisingly, individuals aged 72 and older felt less lonely than people 18 to 22. So there's good news in there since we seem to believe that loneliness is the subject of older folks, but here we have evidence that maybe we should be more worried about young adults.

Loneliness at Work

We might assume that working in an office or other environment with colleagues prevents loneliness. But the study showed feeling lonely occurs at work as well. So, no, going to work doesn't count as socializing. Moreover, loneliness at work takes a surprisingly heavy toll on mental wellbeing and on performance.

Employees who experience loneliness view themselves as less productive and involved in their jobs. They are five times more apt to miss work because of stress and twice as likely to call in sick to work due to illness. 

In addition, lonely employees admitted feeling that they produce below-quality work. They consider resigning from their positions more than twice as often. The study also showed that entry-level and senior executive employees felt more lonely than middle management. 

Loneliness and Health

Loneliness takes both an emotional and a physical toll. Experts say that loneliness increases the risk of depression, anxiety, diabetes, heart conditions, and even substance abuse. 

The study also revealed that remote workers are even more apt to feel lonely. That result is particularly significant amid the increase in telecommuting due to the pandemic. But telecommuting isn’t the only cause of loneliness linked to coronavirus.

Experts compare the health impact of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. That's just shy of a pack if you weren't aware. And that's pretty significant.

The Pandemic May Exacerbate Loneliness

Those of us who live alone may have once had many opportunities to interact with others, such as going to the gym and church and visiting friends in their homes that are now unavailable to us. 

To help flatten the curve, some states have required facilities where we socialize, such as gyms and churches, to close. Increasingly, governors are urging citizens to avoid gathering together with people outside of our households. We are also advised to socially distance. So where does that leave a person who resides in a household of one?

Those who live alone, estimated at 35.7 million Americans, may feel particularly lonely. Even the most loving dog or kitten can’t compensate for the lack of human hugs.

How To Ease Loneliness

With all that evidence that loneliness can harm us physically and emotionally, we may worry that the pandemic makes it impossible to combat these feelings. But experts say that by taking certain positive actions, we can help boost our physical and mental health and overcome many of the effects. The key is to take an intentional and proactive approach, rather than waiting for it to go away on its own. Try some of these:

• Daily To-Do List: A daily routine can help you normalize life. Schedule in social activities each day, such as an afternoon phone call with a friend or even joining a library virtual reading group. 
• Stay Informed: Knowing the most recent news can help us feel in touch with the world and give us things to talk about when we have those virtual meetups. 
• Work It Out: From online yoga to a bike ride in the park, exercise can ease loneliness. Some gyms are even offering outdoor classes. 
• Have a Goal: Find something you want to learn. A language? A new skill? Begin practicing guitar so that when you next go to a campout, you're that much more interesting to hang out with.
• Volunteer: Volunteering opportunities abound amid the pandemic. Check with your local food bank or Meals On Wheels. Something as simple as a weekly phone call to a homebound senior can make a difference in the world and help them combat loneliness while combating your own. Plus, you get to know new people.
• Stay In Touch: Sheltering in place guidelines don’t preclude contact with family and friends. Consider a weekly Zoom cocktail hour to see and hear loved ones. Make a phone call, send a message, or create a homemade card to stay in touch. Send gifts and treats to the little people in your family. They love to get mail and being kept away from friends is particularly hard for them.
• Social Media: Just as with staying up-to-date on the news, balance is the key for a healthy use of social media. Set a limit such as checking Facebook twice a day. In addition, consider seeking uplifting social media groups such as ones focused on posting photos of pets or groups that involve multiplayer games. 
• Get Creative: From music to painting, creative outlets can help us feel better about ourselves. We may want to try something new, or return to a childhood favorite, such as watercolor. Maybe it's time to write that novel?

Loneliness can take a heavy toll both physically and emotionally, particularly during a pandemic. To ease loneliness, we can become involved in activities, such as volunteering, Zoom get-togethers, and online games. But whatever you do, don't take it lightly. Loneliness is a serious problem that deserves your full attention. If you are experiencing challenges such as depression or anxiety, be sure to consult a health care provider. 

Copyright 2020, Wellness.com