A Prescription for Connection

A recent spate of studies and articles has focused on the health impacts of what the World Health Organization has called The Loneliness Epidemic. “Being Lonely is the Equivalent of Smoking 15 Cigarettes a Day!” shouted a recent headline I read. Alarming clickbait aside, traditional wisdom, common sense and our own lived experiences confirm what studies are saying. We need each other.

What are loneliness and social isolation?

Loneliness is a subjective feeling, defined by the WHO as the relationships in your life not matching what you need. Social isolation is more objective; literally not having people in your life or seeing people on a regular basis. Also important is social connection; how we relate to the people in our lives and the quality of those relationships. (read more from the World Health Organization report on loneliness)

What are the most significant health impacts of loneliness?

Recent reviews of research show that loneliness increases risk of death from all causes by one-third. Although stereotypes of loneliness are often of an elderly person, young people and adolescents report higher rates of loneliness than any other group, and the rate is rising.

We are wired for connection. When we are isolated or feel lonely, our bodies and brains hit the danger alarms and we move into fight-or-flight mode. Our immune, hormone and digestive systems become less effective, increasing vulnerability to infection, disrupting sleep and nutrient absorption, and increasing anxiety and depression. We’re also more likely to try to soothe ourselves in ways that damage our health like smoking, alcohol, or drug use.

Four Ways to Find Connection

We can’t just snap our fingers and overcome loneliness or isolation. But there are things we can do to improve the relationships we have, forge new ones, and find the power of connection with ourselves and the natural world.

Connect Regularly:
Have you had your daily dose of conversation? Whether it’s a far away pal you text wordle results and snaps of cute dogs you’ve seen, a relative you facetime, a weekly walk with a neighbor, or your recurring acupuncture or therapy appointment, the benefits of connection blossom with regularity.

Connect in Community:

Even if they aren’t one-on-one friendships, gathering in a group with others overcomes social isolation and provides powerful benefits. Whether that’s a religious service you attend, qigong class or reading group, a bird watching club or local craft night, or online or in-person support groups, sharing time and space with others is good medicine. And you might make some new friends!

Connect with Yourself:

Meditation and mindfulness practice has extensive, well-researched health benefits parallel to those of social connection. I think of meditation as quality time I spend with myself - just as important as making time for others. Check out Inner Peace Outer Peace, resources like the East Bay Meditation Center, apps like Insight Timer or books like The Miracle of Mindfulness (affiliate link to the Energy Matters Bookshop) for guidance.

Connect with the non-human world:
Research confirms what many of us know - nature can heal us. Whether you’re walking in the woods or by the ocean, gardening, tending your indoor plants, or cuddling your dog or cat, the love we give and receive from the non-human world is powerful and healing.

I’d love to connect with you!

Share your reflections on loneliness and belonging with me, and I hope you take advantage of the many ways we seek to promote connection as medicine at Energy Matters, including treatments, classes, book clubs and mindfulness practice.

Kirsten Cowan L.Ac, Energy Matters Clinic Manager