While loneliness is something we all experience, there is such a thing as chronic loneliness. And it has a big impact on our physical health. From heart health to sleep quality, the health effects of loneliness are not to be ignored, but used as a chance to build stronger connections.
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We all feel lonely from time to time. It’s a normal condition of life. But loneliness can become chronic, believe it or not – and when it does, it can affect more than just your mood. Research suggests that prolonged social isolation can have surprising effects on both physical and mental health. It may suggest then, that making meaningful connections is just as important as staying active and eating well.
It can affect your heart
Loneliness doesn’t just make you feel emotionally disconnected. It can also impact your cardiovascular health. People who experience chronic loneliness may have higher blood pressure, increased inflammation, and a higher risk of strokes and heart disease. Experts think that ongoing stress caused by loneliness may contribute to these changes after time.
Your immune system may suffer
Some people tend to catch a cold during stressful period. That’s because feeling lonely can increase the stress hormone cortisol, which causes the immune system to be compromised. This makes it harder to fight infections and recover from illness.
Brain health
It’s believed that loneliness is linked to cognitive decline later in life. Regular conversations, mentally stimulating activities and shared experiences all help to keep the brain engaged. So even though loneliness doesn’t directly cause dementia, it’s believed that socially isolated individuals may have a higher risk of developing memory problems.
Sleep and mental well-being
Lonely people often report poorer-quality sleep. All because when we’re isolated, it triggers a survival mechanism that keeps us alert for possible threats, which prevents deep rest. This makes it harder to relax, and contributes to feeling of depression.
Small connections can make a huge difference
The great news is that you don’t need a big social circle to have meaningful connections. Join a walking group, attending a local class or volunteering can foster a sense of belonging. Even short interactions with a neighbour can improve feelings of connection.
If feelings of loneliness affect your daily life, it’s always worth speaking to a healthcare professional. But there are also small changes you can make to lift that sinister feeling of disconnect. Looking after your social well-being is also caring for your overall health, and it’s never too late to strengthen connections.
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