Don’t Let Loneliness Harm Your Health
What It’s Not
- Loneliness isn't simply about being alone, some people are happy on their own.
- And it’s not how many people you know or how often you see them or a bad day when
you don't feel connected. - What matters is to have strong connections.
1. Those who do tend to be happier, healthier & more productive.
2. Those who don't may feel isolated, misunderstood & depressed are lonely. - It can take a physical toll, too but you can take steps to overcome that.
Immune System
- If you're lonely for a long time, it may to make it harder for your body to fight sickness.
- Part of the reason for this may be that loneliness triggers some of the hormones your
body makes when you're under stress. - This can dim how well your immune system works, too.
- Many other things also affect how well your body defends itself & your doctor can
help you pinpoint what changes might help.
Blood Pressure
- If you’re lonely,especially if it lasts for 4 years or longer, your blood pressure is more
likely to go up. - Scientists who study this effect can’t prove that loneliness is to blame.
- But they found that the rise isn't caused by other things like age, gender, diet, or family background.
Exercise
- An active lifestyle helps keep you well in body & mind.
- If you’re lonely, you’re more likely to cut back on or stop your workouts.
1. Don't do that!
2. Stay in the game! - Walk with a friend, go to the gym, play a game of neighborhood kickball.
- Being active with friends is a way to start or grow relationships that make you feel better.
- Aim for at least 2.5 hours of activity per week.
- If you have health problems, check with your doctor first.
Mental Sharpness
- Your ability to solve problems or remember things as you age is likely to be affected
if you feel lonely. - You may have a greater chance of a brain disease like Alzheimer's.
- Keep in mind that a lot of things affect those risks & research doesn’t prove that loneliness causes these conditions.
- But at any age, finding ways to connect with others is wise.
Smoking
- You’re more likely to light up when you’re lonely.
- But this habit is bad for you from head to toe.
- Smoking is linked to diabetes, heart disease & lung illnesses & it affects nearly every
organ in your body. - Some people reach for a cigarette when they’re stressed.
1. If that's you, talk with your doctor about how to quit.
2. Find other ways to manage stress.
3. Even if it takes more than one try to kick the habit, it's worth it so keep at it!
Poor Heart Health
- The more lonely you’ve been over your life, the more likely you are to have conditions that affect your heart health examples such as:
1. Obesity
2. High blood pressure
3. Bad cholesterol levels - Women who are lonely may be more likely to get coronary heart disease because:
1. If you smoke
2. Get depressed
3. Don't work out
Depression
- It affects your body as well as your mind.
- If you’re lonely, you may start to feel bad about your life & get depressed.
- Depression can be isolating, so you start to feel even worse.
- If you have symptoms that are severe or last more than two weeks including
1. Feeling down
2. Feeling hopeless
3. Less interested in things you usually enjoy
4. Low energy
5. Sleep problems
6. Appetite changes - GET HELP - Tell your doctor or call a counselor.
Weight Gain
- You’re more likely to add pounds when you’re lonely.
- Why? You might eat more than usual or unhealthy foods to soothe yourself, or you
might stop your workouts.
- This can make you feel worse about yourself & may also make you more likely to get
conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure & heart disease. - So if your weight is going up, it’s a good idea to look at your emotions, as well as your diet
& exercise.
Sleep
- You might toss & turn more or have a tough time falling asleep if you're lonely.
- That can make it harder to focus during the day & put you in a bad mood.
- It may be bad for your health, too.
- Over time, poor sleep can make diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression,
& obesity more likely.
Drinking & Drugs
- You may be more likely to abuse drugs, including alcohol, if you’re lonely.
- It may give you a false sense of feeling better, but it doesn’t last and will backfire.
- Over time, it can seriously damage your body, family, work life & relationships.
What About 'Me' Time?
- Everyone is different.
- You may need more time on your own to recharge, compared with someone who’s more
of an extrovert. - That can be healthy & normal.
- It’s only a problem if you feel too disconnected from other people.
- This can happen if you stay on your own too much.
- But it can also happen if you simply don’t feel understood or cared for even if there are
lots of people around.
Take Action
- Look for ways to connect.
- Interested in:
1. Books
2. Bridge
3. Chess
4. Hiking
5.Tennis
6. Join a club & get to know others with the same interests.
7. Make plans with friends & family & talk to them how you feel. - If you find it really hard to connect with people, even those you know well, it may help to
talk with a therapist. - Take care of yourself, too:
1. Regular exercise
2. Good sleep
3. Eating for wellness can boost your mood
When You Need Help
- Almost everyone feels a little lonely now & then.
- But if you try to reconnect& still feel isolated after several weeks or if you’re so lonely, depressed or anxious that it gets in the way of your work or home life, tell your doctor.
- You can get help with things like therapy, lifestyle changes & medicine for certain
conditions to get back on your feet.
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