How Fighting Loneliness Can Save Your Life

Did you know that loneliness can be as bad for your body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

Loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively, according to Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General.

Plus a lack of social connection increases the risk of heart disease by 29% and the risk of stroke by 32%, Murthy noted. Loneliness is also linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression and dementia.

These are scary numbers, but fortunately, there are steps you can take so you don’t fall victim to your loneliness. Let’s check them out.

Being occupied with an activity that you enjoy is a great way to generate energy and positive feelings. Get outside for some gardening, or if the weather has you stuck indoors, try a jigsaw puzzle, or maybe even sort your antique beer can collection! Pro tip: don’t work too hard or simply watch TV as a distraction as this may just suppress your feelings and make you feel worse. 

If you’re keen to learn a new skill, take up a course — Duolingo is great for learning a new language and it's free! Wish you were better on the golf course? Take some lessons with a pro. You can even learn while you walk by listening to an interesting podcast. Studies have shown that listening to a friendly-sounding voice can help you feel less lonely. 

Physical exercise can help you deal with loneliness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try going for a relaxing walk in the park. If you have some physical energy to expend but can’t leave the house (hello winter rain), put on some music and bust a move like our mate Waz! Community sport is also a great way to get active and meet new friends. 

This may be a little intimidating if you’re an introvert, but give it a try. Greeting people who serve you at shops or pass you on the street helps create micro-connections and can help you feel a little bit better. By just saying a friendly ‘hello’ to a stranger, you’re not just improving your day, you may be improving theirs as well. 

Pets can help eliminate feelings of loneliness by providing unconditional love, and bring structure to your day. As we alluded to in our article on How Dogs Can Help With Weight Loss, pets hold you accountable because they need to be walked and played with to be in top health. Plus, taking your dog for walks is a great way to meet people. 

Life is always easier when we hang out with people who really get us. Try seeking out people with similar interests, and attempt to create connections. One starting point could be social media pages that deal with topics that matter to you. If you’re on a weight loss journey, join our Man Shakers Facebook group!

While social media can be a cesspit with the potential to damage your mental health, it can also help combat loneliness — if you use it properly. Make sure when using social media, you try to focus on positive topics that won’t exacerbate any feelings of isolation.

Do you have friends that live far away or you haven’t spoken to in a while? Have you considered reaching out to them? We all have busy lives and tend to forget to check in on each other. Remember, it’s on you to make the effort to maintain the friendship. Check out more tips for maintaining remote friendships here.

Chatting with a therapist is a great way to process your feelings in a safe space without fear of judgment. If you need help finding a therapist, the Australian Psychological Society offers a Find A Psychologist service.