There has been a huge concern about the rise of loneliness on a global scale. In 2015, one study1 finds that loneliness is a significant public health concern, particularly on older adults.
In a later study2, researchers found that loneliness could increase the risk of developing heart disease.
Furthermore, one survey finds that loneliness rate in America alone is quite high. CBS This Morning calls it in their headline “The Loneliest Generation”. What’s shocking about the results of this survey, those affected most with loneliness are the young generation.
In fact, it has been found that loneliness in America today is a threat to mental, physical and emotional well-being. This is an important thing to consider as loneliness at a young age can cause various health implications in later life3.
How To Overcome Loneliness?
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome loneliness. These ways could also potentially improve mental health. A study4 found certain effective ways of fighting and eventually overcoming and breaking-free from loneliness.
Surprisingly, if you’ve watched the video above, getting married is one of the suggested solutions for overcoming loneliness. This is why one study says marriage is helpful for longevity. However, make sure you pick the right partner. Otherwise, marriage will just put more stress on you.
On the other hand, a relationship that maintains the friendship in marriage is an ideal one. Other than marriage, these are the ways in which studies found helpful in overcoming loneliness.
- Talking to as many people as one can
- Working on improving social skills
- Learning in complimenting other people
- Letting go of cynicism and mistrusting of other people
- Expressing gratitude of what you have no matter how little or big they are
In addition, focusing on good nutrition is just as helpful. Focus on increasing fruits and vegetable intake, particularly those mood-boosting foods.
Eating appropriate foods offers a significant boost in gut health. In turn, this increases the brain’s ability to produce the happy chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
Of course, regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise does not only slows down aging but also protects against depression, boosts memory and give your sex life more stamina.
Some people may find loneliness an insignificant thing. However, loneliness can kill. Although it does not kill a person instantly, surely, it does it slowly and gradually.
Perhaps, the most important act you can render to a lonely person is touch, or even more powerful, give a hug.