We recently told you that the Surgeon General of the United States is calling loneliness a public health crisis. Dr. Vivek Murthy has just released a public health advisory that includes research showing that social isolation is a growing problem that has negative effects on both physical and mental health and can even be deadly.
- The Surgeon General’s report says loneliness raises the risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death.
- It claims isolation’s effect on lifespan is similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and that it’s worse for your health than being obese or not physically active.
Fortunately, the research also recommends these strategies to help us stop being lonely:
- Educate yourself - Start with reading the Surgeon General’s report to help understand the connection between mental and physical health and connection with others.
- Make time for socializing - Take time out of every day to reach out to a friend or family member.
- Put your phone down - It’s not only rude to be looking at your phone while you’re talking to someone, the report points out that phones and other distractions decrease “the quality of the time you spend with others.”
- Diversify your circle - According to the research, we should try to “actively engage with people of different backgrounds and experiences.”
- Volunteer - Community service can help you meet people and feel connected to your community while doing good for others.
- Be a joiner - To expand your social circle, the report recommends joining “fitness, religious, hobby, professional and community service organizations” to help create a sense of belonging.
- Cut down on things that disconnect you - This includes screen time and “excessive social media use.”
Source: Lifehacker
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