Loneliness may be more of a hazard to our health than obesity, according to a 2017 article published by the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C.
At this very moment, there are so many people feeling lonely that many nations like the United States now face what is being called a “loneliness epidemic.”
Loneliness is a leading precursor to depression and alcoholism, as well as all kinds of other medical concerns.
Why would this be? For starters, loneliness has been found to increase the levels of both stress hormones and blood pressure, which has a majorly negative impact on one of your most vital organs: the heart.
No wonder a loneliness synonym is “heartache.”
Feeling alone from time to time isn’t abnormal or necessarily cause for alarm,
but when feelings of isolation and loneliness persist, it can take a severe toll on all aspects of your health — and often, you want to see the negative health impact until years later.
Isn’t it such irony that there is currently a loneliness epidemic taking place in this digital age when we are seemingly more connected than ever before?
Interacting with someone via the computer or by other virtual means is just not the same as seeing each other in person or hearing a voice on the other end of the phone.
Not only are many of us now feeling more alone with all this technology, but we’re also losing our interpersonal skills.
People of all ages can feel lonely, but this emotion can be especially deadly among the elderly.
A 2012 report by the National Academy of Sciences found that loneliness and social isolation in older men and women are linked to increased mortality.
Regardless of your age, you will likely experience moments of loneliness in your life,
but the great news is that natural remedies for loneliness are mainly habits and choices in your control, and you can help yourself to feel better soon.
What Is Loneliness Exactly?
Norman Cousins, the author of the best-selling book “Anatomy of an Illness,” once said, “The eternal quest of the individual human being is to shatter his loneliness.”
This is just one of many loneliness quotes that speak to many people’s hearts.
There are also lots of loneliness poems and loneliness songs out there, which is not surprising since loneliness is such a familiar yet unpleasant emotion for human beings of all ages.
What is the actual loneliness definition? Loneliness is the state of feeling lonely.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines loneliness in several ways, including being without company, cut off from others, sad from being alone, or producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation.
It’s essential to note that being physically alone doesn’t just automatically equate to loneliness. As Psychology Today points out:
Loneliness is a negative state, marked by a sense of isolation. One feels that something is missing. It is possible to be with people and still feel lonely—perhaps the most bitter form of loneliness.
Solitude is the state of being alone without being lonely. It is a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself. Solitude is desirable, a state of being alone where you provide yourself wonderful and sufficient company.
So how do you know if you’re experiencing loneliness or solitude?
Is there a loneliness test?
There are some tests you can take to determine if you are struggling with loneliness.
For example, you can take The Loneliness Quiz, which is said to be based upon the UCLA Loneliness Scale.
7 Natural Remedies for Loneliness
Occasional feelings of loneliness are not problematic if you do something to relieve yourself of a lonely feeling.
According to psychologist John Cacioppo, Ph.D., from the University of Chicago,
“Loneliness is an evolutionary adaptation that should spur us to get back to socializing, a state in which we are happier and safer.”
Now let’s look at some of the best natural ways to combat feelings of loneliness and get to a much more enjoyable state of mind and being.
1. Less Social Media and Technology
You may enjoy social media at times, but at other times, maybe you’ve wondered or even searched the Internet for: “Do I have an obsession with Facebook”?
Technology and social media can be quite addicting and time-consuming.
On the positive side, you can keep in touch and maybe even form relationships with people all over the world.
On the negative side, you may find you’re spending a lot less time connecting with people in person, getting outdoors, exercising, being creative, and practicing other habits regularly that help decrease feelings of loneliness.
A study published in 2017 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that heavy use of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Instagram, was correlated with feelings of social isolation.
Specifically, this study looked at 1,787 adults in the United States between the ages of 19 and 32 and found that people who spent more than two hours each day on social media had double the likelihood of feeling socially isolated and lonely.
Researchers also found that the people visiting social media most often (58 visits or higher each week) was more than three times as likely to feel socially isolated compared to people who attended less than nine times each week.
It’s also crucial to consider the effects of social media and technology use on children when it comes to loneliness.
A U.K.-wide study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health released in May 2017 revealed that image-focused Instagram “is considered the social media platform most likely to cause young people to feel depressed, anxious and lonely.”
Snapchat came in second, followed by Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
It’s totally up to you what social media you choose to take part in (or allow your children to take part in), but reducing your time using technology, in general, can make a substantial positive impact on your life and help with feelings of loneliness.
An idea to remember is “disconnect to connect,” which means being intentional about being present in the moment, especially when you are spending time with loved ones or doing something you enjoy.
Turn off your phone when you can or put it on silent.
There will always be time to check a text or an email, but you can’t get cherished moments back, and you can’t enjoy what you’re doing when you’re not fully there.
2. More Outdoor Time
When you’re looking to overcome loneliness, getting out of your house and into the stress-relieving outside world is a fabulous idea.
You can also choose an outdoor space where interaction with other people will be possible, such as a dog park or a hiking trail.
Getting into nature is also a useful option if you don’t currently have the opportunity to see a loved one in person but are looking to relieve any loneliness depression feelings.
Exposure to sunlight, fresh air, and nature are all scientifically known for increasing serotonin levels. What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a brain chemical known for improving a person’s state of mind.
When serotonin levels are higher, researchers have found that people tend to be happier and “that positive emotion and agreeableness foster congenial relationships with others.”
So, in other words, getting outdoors and boosting those serotonin levels regularly can likely help improve the sympathetic relations you have with others, which can help decrease loneliness.
Fresh air also helps boost oxygen intake, which in turn can help to improve energy and mood.
Living in mountainous areas with lower oxygen levels has even been linked to increased rates of depression and suicide.
Fresh air is undoubtedly one of the most basic yet essential lifelines of good health.
Anne Frank had one of the best lonely quotes when it comes to nature’s healing effect on loneliness.
She said, ” The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.”
You can try earthing as well, which can help reduce stress hormones.
3. Contact a Friend or Family Member (In a Non-Digital Way)
Sometimes when you feel like you’re suffering from burnout or exhaustion, you may think the best thing to do is be alone and keep to yourself, but think twice.
Isolating yourself is only helpful when it promotes feelings of solitude rather than loneliness.
Remember that solitude is a positive state of being alone, while loneliness is a negative state.
When you’re feeling stressed out, lonely, and depressed, it’s always important to talk to people you trust and get your feelings out.
It’s also a great idea to hear their voices on the other end of the phone (rather than a text message) or, even better, see them in person.
Let those around you support yourself, and you are less likely to feel so alone.
If you don’t have anyone you trust to reach out to and your feelings of loneliness are getting you down,
never hesitate to reach out to caring people at places like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
4. Share Your Living Space
When people feel lonely, they have a harder time handling stress well. Living alone has also been shown to increase the risk of suicide in both the young and the old.
If you’re struggling with loneliness and live alone, you maybe want to consider having a roommate.
A few years back, a Dutch retirement home came up with an answer to loneliness for both the elderly and the young it offered free housing to students if they agreed to spend time with the residents of the retirement home.
In exchange for a rent-free living space, the students were required to spend a minimum of 30 hours each month being “good neighbors.”
This intergenerational living situation is a way of encouraging both the old and the young to interact with each other in a way that can help foster feelings of connectedness rather than isolation and loneliness. 
5. Don’t Work Too Hard
According to the 2017 article published in the Harvard Business Review, there is a strong correlation between work exhaustion and feelings of loneliness.
So the higher the level of burnout due to work, the more lonely people seem to feel.
This affects a lot of people today since apparently double the number of people today say they are always exhausted compared to two decades ago.
It makes sense that when we are exhausted, we’re less likely to feel physically and mentally well, and we’re also less likely to have the energy for social engagement and positive relationship maintenance.
Our jobs, and life in general, can be quite demanding, but do what you can to not overwork yourself and make natural stress relievers a part of your daily routine.
6. Avoid Binge-Watching TV
You’ve probably seen some of those quintessential loneliness pictures featured on various pharmaceutical commercials for depression.
Loneliness can undoubtedly lead to depression, and there is a habit that is linked to both.
The term “binge-watching” may be common these days, but that wasn’t always the case.
Watching episode after episode of your favorite show can be fun at times, but research conducted in 2015 showed a link between binge-watching television and feelings of loneliness and depression.
So while watching more than one episode of a favorite show in one sitting can be fun from time to time, watching several episodes every night for hours on end may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
7. Get a Pet
For some people, a furry four-legged friend helps them feel not lonely.
Not only are pets unconditional with their love and affection, but research has shown that they help reduce stress and tension while improving the mood of their owners.
Animals won’t provide the same level of connection as humans, but they are certainly companions that can be with you at home or even on the go.
Plus, a dog is an excellent reason to go to a local dog park and socialize with other dog owners.
Pets can also be great conversation starters that lead to new friends. (And the benefits of friendships are genuinely incredible.)
Final Thoughts on Loneliness
This loneliness epidemic is nothing to take lightly since it appears to be more threatening than other top public health concerns like obesity.
Plus, feeling lonely makes so many other health problems, both big and small, more likely.
It’s not surprising that feeling connected to others can help decrease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression; boost our immune systems, and even elongate our life spans.
With the ever-increasing virtual connectedness we now have, we all must take the time to be with each other in person and get outside regularly.
Our mental, physical, and emotional health improve from more original forms of connection and from being in nature.
Being physically alone at times is a normal part of life and not automatically problematic. Still, when loneliness sets in, and we don’t do anything about it, this is when our health can be negatively impacted.
Since loneliness is a state of mind, it’s possible to feel lonely even when you’re not alone, or you’re talking to someone online.
This is why it’s so important to evaluate your life regularly —
what habits and choices are genuinely bringing joy and good health to your life, and what may be negatively affecting you and leading you to feel lonely?
