How many of you know that loneliness is a major public health issue which has been reported by the World Health Organisation and Lancet? Recent evidence has shown that up to 60% of us feel lonely at some point in our lives. It increases the risk of premature mortality by 26% and increases the risk of heart disease and strokes as well as depression. So it's a huge issue for our well-being, resilience and mental health.
What can we do to alleviate this condition?
1 Cultivate and maintain our social network through:
Be proactive and reach out to your family and friends to do simple things such as go for a coffee or a walk or engage in shared interests.
Join clubs, engage in hobbies and join volunteering organisations where you will meet like-minded people.
2 Engage in self-care activities:
Do things that bring you joy, help you relax and give you fulfilment. This not only increases your happiness but also is likely to attract like-minded people who share your passions.
3 Seek support through therapy or support groups.
Reaching out to a counsellor or a therapist can provide invaluable help to explore the underlying causes of loneliness as well as develop coping strategies. Support groups can provide you with a space to connect with others who share similar experiences, thereby providing a sense of community.
4 Practice gratitude and acts of kindness.
Evidence shows that regularly expressing gratitude improves your mental wellness and helps to reduce feelings of isolation. Engaging in acts of kindness such as volunteering or helping others not only benefits those around you but fosters a sense of purpose and connection.
It's easy to get wrapped up in our careers and forget about the value of relationships to us. In the past I have been guilty of this - but v recently when my teenage son recently asked me to join him abroad after his work experience, I did not hesitate to make him priority number 1! We had so many amazing memories and spending this time together helped forge a much closer relationship with him too.
Embrace the opportunities to engage with the world around you, and you will find that loneliness gradually diminishes, making room for a richer, more fulfilling life.
What are your tips for alleviating loneliness? I'd love to hear your thoughts and views. Please email me at info@XtraClarity.com
I look foward to hearing from you!