What is loneliness?
It is both an objective and a subjective state of being. As an example, you can be in a room full of people and feel lonely and not connecting with others. On the other hand, you can be alone in your own home listening to music or doing some other activity that you like and feel perfectly content. Many times, spending time alone can be welcomed, such as after a long day at work.
Being alone can be an emotionally painful experience, leaving you at odds with yourself and the world. COVID has increased the sense of loneliness and isolation that many people feel. Everyone experiences some sense of loneliness from time to time, but it is when it becomes chronic that it becomes a problem. The feeling of being isolated and left out without a sense of belonging brings with it both emotional and physical distress. Loneliness can lead to poor health habits, eating and sleeping poorly, not staying active, and turning to alcohol and drugs for solace. Loneliness is a major risk factor for depression which can lead to cognitive decline and dementia. A startling finding in the research is that adults who have greater feelings of loneliness have a much higher risk of developing dementia than those who are not lonely. Loneliness also can put us in a state of high alert because we have to deal with life’s problems by ourselves without the necessary supports. This can take a big toll on our health.
It is clear that loneliness can affect our health and well-being. There are several things you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
Take some of these steps to change your feelings of loneliness :
- Play some music – it boosts mood and motivates
- Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and the television
- Reach out and connect with a friend, either with a phone call or a planned activity
- Spend time outside – changing your environment helps
- Work on a creative project, such as music, writing, or art
- Consider getting a pet – they need us and we need them
- Do something that brings you joy – maybe it is cooking, video games, or a hobby
- Join a club — connect with like-minded people who are interested in things that you like
