How Loneliness Can Affect Overall Health? 5 tips to manage it

The World Health Organization expressed concern about problems associated with loneliness in a recent report. This is a real state of being that can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Here’s how to deal with it.

When you don’t have anyone around to share moments of joy, moments of sadness, or the state of just ‘being’, this is what loneliness can look like. It is an emotional discomfort that can lead to a slippery slope of other health problems, which are also caused by not having the company of a loved one around you. In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that “a new Commission on Social Connection, to tackle loneliness as an urgent threat to health, must promote social connection as a priority and accelerate the scale-up of solutions in countries of all incomes . ”

WHAT IS SOCIAL ISOLATION ACCORDING TO WHOM?

The report further added that social isolation – having an insufficient number of social connections and loneliness – and the social pain of feeling disconnected are widespread. Contrary to the perception that isolation and loneliness mainly affect older people in high-income countries, they impact the health and well-being of all age groups around the world. One in four older people experience social isolation and the figures are largely the same in all regions. According to research results, adolescents experience between 5 and 15% loneliness. However, it is likely that these figures are an underestimate.

How loneliness affects health:

“High levels of social isolation and loneliness around the world are having serious consequences for health and well-being. People without sufficiently strong social connections are at greater risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This WHO committee will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions.”

A lack of social connection carries an equal or greater risk of premature death than other better known risk factors – such as smoking, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, obesity and air pollution. Social isolation also has serious consequences for physical and mental health; Studies show it is linked to anxiety and depression and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.

TIPS TO MANAGE LONELINESS

1. Create a self-care routine: Self-care routine became a trend during COVID and for all the right reasons. In this hustle culture, taking the time to invest in yourself is the need of the moment. Replenishing ourselves, both emotionally and physically, can help manage periods of sadness and will also keep our minds engaged and happy.
2. Work on your hobbies: Identify what you like. Something that keeps the mind and body happy and invested for good. Develop hobbies and enjoy activities such as photography, adventure sports, reading, pottery making etc.
3. Volunteer work: This can also be a good way to spend time and enjoy social well-being.
4. Foster meaningful relationships: Establish supportive relationships to gain relief from the discomfort of being all alone. Engage in more social interactions.
5. Seek professional help: Seek professional help proactively and without hesitation.