Loneliness isn’t just about being alone!

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Feeling lonely? You know that loneliness isn’t just about being alone – some people are happy on their own, and it’s not about how many people you know either. Do you feel connected? That is what it’s all about. Our strong connections often produce a person who tends to be: happier, healthier and more productive. Those who do not feel as connected often are: isolated, misunderstood and depressed, often taking a physical toll upon people.

Your immune system may be finding it harder to fight an illness you have. Did you know that loneliness may have triggered some hormones in your body when you are stressed, diming how well your immune system functions. If you are lonely for a long period, your blood pressure is more likely to go up.  Again, stress is a factor influencing your body due to loneliness. One’s health is essentially affected by the state of your mind, whether you are happy, or sad, lonely or connected to others.

Scientific studies have found exercise as the one element that can bring lonely people outside of themselves, connecting with others and nature. Going for a walk, strolling with your friend or neighbour chips away at the hold loneliness may have upon you. Being active with pals is an excellent way to grow in relationships and expand on your self-worth.

Games are another way to snap out of the gloom that loneliness encases us within. Mental sharpness is the answer. Games, group challenges such as chess, and board games challenge our knowledge and mental capacities, while connecting us to other participants. If you are elderly, this challenge is essential in fighting mental illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s. An active body and mind unites us to be fine and healthy.

Loneliness can and often will make you depressed, and depression is well known as an isolating agent within society. Alone, segregated from others, your depression may very well drive you to distraction, and ultimately overeating. As the funny man John Candy once said, “When I am down and alone, a pizza will always be found.” Weight gain within a society that objectifies thin and full-bodied people, can often isolate you. When people see only what is in front of them, but not the person within, depression and loneliness can follow.

When depressed and alone you need to find things that will keep you busy and distracted from your own misery. Drinking booze and possibly illicit drugs can follow. The deeper you get into possible addiction the more isolated you become. Alone again. Cannot sleep? Well tough times often makes sleep more difficult, perhaps leading to insomnia. What a mess.

“Always look on the bright side of life.” Monty Python

It takes courage to get in front of others, sharing yourself with people who could challenge and question you, looking upon you as judge and jury. Sure, it can be difficult, but know you’re the most important person in the world, and you share this planet with other important people.