From Isolation to Connection: 8 Ways to Increase Your Social Connection and Improve Your Well-Being

Jul 12

Feeling lonely and disconnected? You are not alone.

Half of US adults experience measurable levels of loneliness—and it’s greater among young adults, says a recent report published by the Office of the US Surgeon General.

According to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, “The pandemic poured fuel on a fire that was already burning.” He says, “Loneliness is an epidemic.”

Loneliness is more than just a bad feeling. Studies have found that poor social relationships, social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of heart disease by 29%, the risk of stroke by 32%, and dementia by 50% in older adults.

While technology served as a virtual support system keeping us connected during the pandemic, Dr. Vivek Murthy says, “In-person matters. Connecting online has its place and its value. But it’s not a substitute for an in-person connection. We really do need both.”

So what can we do when feeling lonely and disconnected?
Dr. Murthy and his team outline 8 ways to increase our social connection and improve our well-being.

1. Invest time in nurturing your relationships through consistent, frequent and high-quality engagement with others.

2. Participate in social and community groups such as fitness, religious, hobby, professional, and community service organizations to foster a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose.

3. Seek out opportunities to serve and support others either by helping your family, coworkers, friends or strangers in your community, or by participating in community service.

4. Actively engage with people of different backgrounds and experiences to expand your understanding of and relationships with others.

5. Be responsive, supportive and practice gratitude, as these behaviors can strengthen our social bonds and improve our relationship satisfaction.

6. Reduce practices that lead to feelings of disconnection from others such as the harmful and excessive use of social media and spending time in unhealthy relationships.

7. Seek help during times of struggle by reaching out to a family member, friend, counselor or health care provider.

8. Be open with your health care provider about significant social changes in your life. This may help them understand potential health impacts and guide them to provide recommendations to mitigate health risks.

Sources:

Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, “What is the importance of social connection?” https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection/index.html

Loneliness has become an epidemic in U.S., Surgeon General says https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-6EiI3VCLA

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