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 a connection, 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 part of the reason may be 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, or strolling with your friend or neighbor 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 yourself 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 unite us to be fine and healthy.
The opposite of health is of course friends to loneliness. If you are a smoker, a practitioner of a habit most people look down on, you can find yourself alone in a corner someplace. 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 make your sleep more difficult, perhaps leading to insomnia. What a mess.
“Always look on the bright side of life” (Monty Python). Simplistic perhaps but effective. It takes courage to get in front of others, share yourself with people who could challenge and question you, and look upon you as judge and jury. Sure it can be difficult but know you are the most important person in the world, and you share this planet with other important people. You are all different even when you appear to not be, that’s our worldly routine sticking its boring head into the conversation. And the conversation is key, that we talk, sing, play, and connect with others. Who gives a damn what the others think right? Who is worthy? We all are in our own special way.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
