How to Cope with Loneliness and Protect Your Health

Even though we are more connected today than ever through messages, video calls, and social networks many report feeling lonely.
According to a survey by the American Psychiatric Association, about one third of Americans feel lonely at least once a week, and 10% experience loneliness daily.

It is important to understand: loneliness does not necessarily mean being alone. “You can feel lonely even when there are people around you,” explains a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The feeling often comes from a lack of emotional connection with others and the pain that accompanies it.
When chronic, it has real health consequences.
Research shows loneliness increases stress lighten the immune system, and raises inflammation levels in our body.
Loneliness linked to higher risk of premature death, depression and heart disease

Some researchers even call it a “health epidemic.” “Loneliness can negatively affect almost every area of life,” the psychologist says.
The good news? There is something that can be done. ”

1. Do something social even if you don’t feel like it
When people feel lonely, the natural impulse is to withdraw.
This is understandable but problematic.
Loneliness causes people to retreat, which creates a cycle that deepens the feeling.
Still, try to go out a cooking class with a friend, a joint workout with a colleague, or a group activity at a library or community center.
Changing routine and doing activities you enjoy creates an opportunity for emotional connection with people who share similar interests a connection that can reduce feelings of isolation.

2. Invest in your relationship
Loneliness can exist even within relationships.
people dissatisfied with their family life report feeling lonely most of the time, according to research by Pew Research Center.

3. Develop personal hobbies
Worried about being alone? “Finding activities you enjoy doing alone can be very empowering.
Reading, yoga, walking, or creative pursuits can become quality time with yourself, time that nourishes rather than depletes, even without social interaction.

4. Reconnect with a close friend
Being surrounded by people does not always prevent loneliness.
Research by Cigna found that 27% of Americans rarely feel they spend time with people who truly understand them.
A message to a distant friend, lunch with a sibling, or a real conversation with someone who really knows you.

5. Volunteer
A community organization, social project, or any regular framework (at least once a month) can create a sense of belonging.
“You don’t need to know people deeply sharing a value is enough,” says the psychiatrist.

6. Use social media correctly
The connection between social networks and loneliness.
Some studies link them to depression and anxiety, while others point to decreased loneliness, especially among older adults.

7. Seek therapy
Sometimes beeing busy and even social connections are not enough. therapy can help significantly.

8. Open up
Almost everyone experiences loneliness at some point .
just talking about your feeling can reduce it, strengthen connections and normalize the experience.
“You are probably not the only ones who feel this way,” says the psychiatrist. Sometimes, one small act of openness makes a big difference.