Loneliness is an epidemic, and it has devastating effects. An article at Forbes called “The Neuroscience of Loneliness” provides twelve ways to combat loneliness from the book “Connect: 12 Vital Ties That Open Your Heart, Lengthen Your Life, and Deepen Your Soul” by Dr. Edward Hallowell. In his video on managing anxiety and worry he talks about “vitamin c,” the importance of connection for our health.
Here are some ideas for connecting with:
- Birth Family
- Call or visit a family member. Plan a meal together. Celebrate birthdays and holidays.
- Immediate Family
- Plan a special day or a trip. Check off a seasonal bucket list. Play games or sports. Practice emotional intelligence. Use their love language.
- Friends & Community
- Cultivate friendships. Call or have coffee with a friend. Entertain. Perform random acts of kindness. Give small gifts of appreciation. Make a special treat to share with someone. Uplift others with kind actions & words. Give a genuine compliment.
- Work
- Use your strengths. Choose goals and take action toward them. AIM for a vision that is Active, Inspiring, and Meaningful.
- Beauty
- Practice a creative art. Take an art class. Visit an art museum. Listen to uplifting music.
- Nature
- History
- Learn the history of your country, town, and culture. Read books and watch movies that are true stories. Read historical fiction and watch inspiring biographical movies.
- Pets & Animals
- Adopt a pet. Visit a zoo. Watch videos about nature and animals.
- Organizations
- Join a group or volunteer for a cause you believe in.
- Ideas & Information
- Be curious. Try new things. Learn. Read and watch TED talks.
- Spirituality
- Self
Download the Anti-loneliness Actions for 12 connections pdf
Learn more
- “The Good Life” by Robert Waldinger | TED talk What Makes a Good Life? (12:46)
- “Together” by Vivek H Murthy | Video Healing Loneliness (35:01)
- Is there a loneliness epidemic? at Alien Nation
- More books and videos at “Don’t Wait, Relate“
Infographic of alone time from Rad Reads. Read more about the importance of weak ties. “Can Startups Solve the Loneliness Epidemic?” from Wall Street Journal. Learn more about positive shift.
I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.
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