Research reveals that people who are socially isolated or lonely for more extended periods are at a high risk of death, hospitalizations, or outpatient emergency room visits. In the United States, a sizable percentage of adults report feeling lonely, and about one-fourth of Americans aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated.
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone regardless of how many social connections you have. On the other hand, social isolation involves having little to no in-person contact with people you know well. Some people may suffer from loneliness when socially isolated, while others can feel lonely even when they stay socially connected to friends, family, and neighbors.
Living alone, losing friends or family, and having a chronic illness or a sensory impairment are just a few risk factors that can lead to social isolation or loneliness. The pandemic, above all else, may have made things worse.
This article will discuss the importance of maintaining social connections with loved ones and the community.
1. It improves your mental health.
Community and social connectedness comfort us and help us maintain mental wellness in trying times. One study showed that the health consequences of prolonged social isolation and loneliness go far beyond the heart and brain. According to research, those who feel emotional and social loneliness are also more prone to developing a sense of being different from the community. This feeling, in turn, leads to depression, a risk factor for substance use disorder. On the contrary, people who feel understood and more connected to others exhibit lower levels of anxiety and depression.
If you think you’ve developed a drug or alcohol addiction to cope with mental health issues associated with loneliness, visiting a rehab center might help. Go to www.delphihealthgroup.com and get in touch with experts who can help you out.
2. It gives you a sense of belonging.
While all humans fall somewhere between introverts and extroverts, we are social creatures at the end of the day. It’s in our nature to live in groups, to nurture human connections.
Social connections don’t necessarily require being physically present with or around people. It’s a person’s subjective experience of being part of a group of people with whom they share something more important than merely a geographical location – a sense of belonging. Feeling that you belong is a human need, just like the need for food and shelter. When shared, this sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity makes individuals feel less lonely. On the contrary, when you think you don’t matter, aren’t supported as much, or don’t belong, you begin to avoid people and activities they would usually enjoy. For some, this can even progress into social isolation, where you may withdraw from society and be by yourself most of the time.
3. It helps you live longer.
Our brains are hardwired for social support, reciprocity, and intimacy. However, you don’t need to be “besties” or share deeply personal experiences with someone to have a good social relationship with them. A high-quality relationship is one that:
- raises your self-esteem;
- builds mutual trust and respect;
- nurtures empathy for others, and
- allows you to be your authentic self.
Heaps of research suggest that strong friendships offer several physical health benefits. 50% increased chance of longevity is one of them. It doesn’t matter which medium you choose to stay socially and emotionally connected: morning Facetime calls, lunchtime text messages, local Scrabble clubs, walking groups, amateur music class, volunteer shifts at a non-profit, Sunday afternoon tea parties, or just evening chats with neighbors. When you connect with people regularly, you’re bound to feel happier, eat healthier, be more active, and sleep better. All of which lead to better health and longer life.
4. It expands your horizons.
The more diverse one’s social circle, the more is exposure to new ideas and different perspectives. Interacting with like-minded adults in your area and connecting with new people can introduce you to a new interest or a creative talent you never knew you had.
You may be encouraged to experiment with things such as drawing, painting, or Tai chi to help build healthy brain cells and improve manual dexterity. You might not be feeling up to travel at the moment, but you and your squad can pick up an exciting travel book or novel and read it to each other.
5. It brings meaning and purpose to your life.
We live in difficult times where everyone tries to adjust to the “new normal.” When you have a network of friends, you’re more likely to receive calls from someone asking for advice on personal and professional matters. You don’t need formal training in empathy. All you have to do as a friend is lend a listening and non-judgmental ear. You can help them explore and name their feelings without invalidating them.
It’s possible your friend or family member just needed to hear, “It is understandable for you to feel that way. Do you think [this] will fix the problem?”. But offering someone an empathetic ear and understanding heart will give you a sense of purpose and self-worth. Also, you will be happier that you were able to channel their negative emotions into a positive action, which leads us to our final point.
6. It makes it easier to handle problems.
It isn’t so much the hardships and struggles that bring people down as it is the sense of facing them alone versus working through them together.
Being heard is only one aspect of connection; the feelings that go with it are as important. You can offer many things to support people around you and be of help. Security, compatibility, joy, comfort, the list is endless! Think about how you can serve others by being positive in uncertain times while keeping your stress levels in check. Build connections wherever you go. Be available to connect and ever ready to help when others reach out. Make them feel that they never have to be alone.
Wrap Up
If you need help forming solid and healthy relationships with others, start by looking inward. Ask yourself:
- What hobbies do I have?
- What are my interests?
- What kind of personality(s) do I like?
- What is it I want from a friend?
Spend time getting involved in your neighborhood, volunteering, making friends at work, or joining a club or social group. If you meet someone who might become a lifelong buddy, arrange a time to hang out. Remember that solid relationships often begin with coffee breaks and shared meals. So, the key takeaway here is to start building connections.
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