Human Connection

Everyone feels lonely sometimes, and when it’s only occasionally it’s perfectly normal. But more and more people live with chronic loneliness—40 percent of Americans—and it has become an epidemic.

Social scientists define loneliness as “the emotional state created when people have fewer social contacts and meaningful relationships than they would like.” This may not sound dire, but in fact it can be deadly: A study by Brigham Young University found that loneliness shortens a person's life by 15 years, about the same impact as being obese or smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

Other studies have found connections between loneliness and many health problems, including an increased risk for heart attacks, stroke, and even cancer. Lonely people are also more likely to suffer from insomnia, depression, and drug abuse.

In our world of constant tech connectedness, it’s so easy to retreat into social media and feel like we aren’t alone. But scrolling through an endless stream of curated photos of parties, vacations, and family gatherings can actually increase feelings of being left out or dissatisfaction with one's own life. There just isn’t a substitute for REAL human connection.

Technique of the week: If you’re feeling especially lonely, make an effort to spend quality time with people you care about who care about you. Another powerful antidote to loneliness is regular exercise. Making time to be physically and socially active are the best ways to beat loneliness!