How to Overcome Loneliness in a Hyper-Connected Yet Isolated World
I often discuss a dichotomy with my clients, which seems to be affecting everyone in equal amounts (no matter your age, work situation, or even marital status). We’re more connected than ever, but simultaneously feel more alone. These feelings of loneliness can impact our physical health, mental health, and emotional health. Even in our modern world, where technology puts communication at our fingertips, meaningful relationships are crucial for our well-being.
Although we’ve always known this, the past few years have been a heavy reminder that social connection matters. With this importance coming into sharp focus, we’ve learned just how critical it is to nurture our most meaningful relationships for our overall emotional and mental health. So much research has come to light since the days of social isolation, that there’s even a new sector of our health to consider—our social health—which is just as important to prioritize as other areas of our health.
However, despite being in the age of enhanced communication (when we can make free calls around the globe in a matter of seconds) and social media (where we are connected to any- and everyone we’ve ever met, as well as those we haven’t!), reports of loneliness are on the rise.
Enter: The Loneliness Epidemic.
Statistics on Loneliness: You’re Not Alone—No, Really
There’s a reason it’s being called an “epidemic.” As I’ve noticed in my work with clients, loneliness is widespread, and is on the rise.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of American adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness—and this was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another piece of data to back my own anecdotes? There aren’t any major differences between races, genders, education levels, nor political ideologies in whom loneliness affects. In other words, loneliness doesn’t discriminate much. One surprising disparity, though? According to a study from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, the loneliest age group reported was respondents between 30-44 years old, with nearly one-third of people saying they are “frequently” or “always” lonely.
But, regardless of your age, loneliness isn’t something you have to face alone. It’s something I’m here to offer support for, and something best addressed together!
How Loneliness Impacts Our Mental and Emotional Health
While we often hear about physical health risks, the psychological toll of loneliness is just as important to consider. If you struggle with loneliness, it’s probably not surprising to hear that chronic loneliness can lead to feelings of isolation, sadness, and despair, and cause increased levels of stress and anxiety. Simply put, loneliness can be overwhelming. When you feel disconnected from others, you can soon feel as if you’re disconnected from yourself.
Loneliness can be even more difficult for those already navigating a health journey. The extra strain of feeling alone can exacerbate the physical challenges you face and feel just as heavy, if not heavier.
As I mentioned, no matter what you’re dealing with, you don’t need to feel like your struggle is one that you need to face alone. And, better yet, there are tactical things you can do to help your situation.I’m here to help with both.
Six Steps To Combat Loneliness
Here are a few things you can do if you feel like you’re grappling with loneliness:
Disconnect to reconnect: It’s no secret that technology has drastically altered how we interact with one another. But it turns out, our smart phones—seemingly a tool for greater connection—actually can have a negative effect on how connected we feel. Harvard also reports that 73% of those surveyed believed that technology contributed to loneliness. So, rather than doom-scrolling on social media, where we inevitably compare our current state (alone, bored, seeking distraction) to others’ highlight reels, opt to focus on IRL connections, whether with friends, family, or even new acquaintances. The best way to do so?...
Reach out! Easier said than done, of course. But, often, others don’t know we’re struggling with loneliness without us initiating the conversation. We’re all caught up in the hustle and bustle of our own day-to-day lives as we deal with job stress, to-do lists, family obligations, etc., and your loved ones may need you to be forthcoming with your desire to connect.
Focus on quality over quantity: We all know the feeling of being surrounded by people, yet still feeling alone. That’s because loneliness has more to do with the quality of our relationships than the sheer quantity. Less can be more when it comes to our bonds, and it’s important to frequently ask yourself: “Who fills my cup? Whose interactions leave me feeling better?” And, alternatively, “Who makes me feel depleted?”
Assess your circumstances: Many of us have routines that unintentionally contribute to loneliness. Perhaps you work from home, live alone, and/or enjoy solitary hobbies; we have the opportunity to buy our groceries, check out library books, do all of our clothes shopping entirely online; and yet, we wonder why we are lonely! If your daily schedule, work set-up, and accustomed routines breed alone time, think of what you can do to switch it up. Here are some ideas:
Join a meet-up group for a hobby you love
Get involved with a local charity you are passionate about
Work from a coffee shop or coworking space
Practice forgiveness: When you think about the quality of your relationships, who may you have closed the door to, whom you would like to welcome back in? This question may not be pertinent for everyone, but if you’re feeling lonely and missing out on a meaningful relationship from your past, it may be time to reconsider who you want in your future.
Embrace aloneness: Being alone is different from being lonely, and sometimes focusing on self-love is all you need to change your perspective. What are you grateful for, that is only possible because of your alone time? What power have you found in what you’re able to accomplish solo? Think through these things when the feelings of loneliness may feel overwhelming.
Your Next Steps—Don’t Struggle Alone
Hopefully you now know that you’re not alone in your loneliness, and that there are tangible things you can do to combat these feelings and improve your outcome.
And, better yet, you don’t have to face loneliness alone! (Are you sick of hearing the word “lonely”/”loneliness”/”alone” yet?!) Seeking support can be a daunting step to take, but one that can be exactly what you need.
Schedule a consultation today to explore how I can help you feel more connected as you move through your world, improving your social health, as well as your physical and mental health along the way.
