Loneliness is Bad For Your Health

Hi, it’s Leslie Harris, and a recent study shows that loneliness can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

According to an advisory by the US surgeon general, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. So what can you do about it?

I’ve gone through many bouts of loneliness, and I have found that I need to be proactive about keeping my relationships strong.

Most people are well intentioned, and want to connect with their friends, but I also find that most people are not great at arranging social engagements. How many times have you run into someone you really like, chatted with them for a few minutes, and said to each other, ‘Let’s get together soon!”

Except it never happens. And the pandemic made things worse. Most people cut their social circles in half.

So instead of walking away and saying “let’s get together soon,” pull out your phones right then and there and make a plan.

If you don’t have relationships that you want to strengthen, look to see where you can find others that have similar interests. Join a church, take a class, or volunteer for a cause you believe in.

Pets can help too.

Combating loneliness can takes effort, but your mental and physical health will thank you, and so will your loved ones.