MAY 24, 2018 @ 07:22 PM
Loneliness
among Americans has reached "epidemic levels" according to global health company
Cigna's loneliness index. Of the over 20,000 U.S. adults surveyed, 46% report
feeling alone, 47% report feeling left out, and younger generations report
feeling much lonelier than older ones. Gen Z (ages 18-22) reported to be the
loneliest.
The
survey found that one of the biggest factors in loneliness was employment, and
striking the balance between professional and personal lives. With more
graduates entering the job market this year than ever before, landing an
entry-level job is difficult, and can take some time. If graduates begin to
feel isolated and lonely during this transition, here are a few ways to
mitigate and manage the loneliness and self-doubt that often comes with big
transitions:
Eat Well And Exercise
The benefits of eating well and exercise are bottomless, and
supplement so many other items on this list: they help give you energy,
maintain your weight and improving your mental health. Self-care is the
foundation of achievement. If you feel better, you will have more energy and be
more motivated personally and professionally.
Get Outside
According
to Harvard Health, light increases happiness, focus, and the
increase in vitamin D helps fight depression and cancer. It also encourages you
to exercise, which also contributes to your overall happiness and productivity.
So to combat loneliness fight the urge to stay inside, know it's best for you
to get outside even if it's the last thing you want to do.
Sleep
A big
indicator of loneliness is inconsistent sleep: taking a long time to fall
asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, not sleeping deeply, etc. The
benefits of sleep, like exercise and going outside, can not be overstated.
Getting at least eight hours of sleep at night according to Health.com helps manage depression,
increases performance and focus and decreases stress. Make getting enough sleep
a priority.
Treat Yourself
When
you're in a particularly bad place, treat yourself a bit: have a delicious
meal, a glass of wine, a hot bath, get a massage, take a yoga class, whatever
helps you slow down, relax and be present. Loneliness and depression is hard on
our bodies and souls, so do something restorative to help pull yourself out of
a rut. Don't be so hard on yourself, treat yourself well.
Reach Out To People
Show up
for your family and friends. Don't isolate yourself because you're struggling;
reach out to people, show up to events and talk to people you trust who may
have a good perspective on things. Caring for others gives people a sense of
purpose and makes them feel less alone: whether they are visiting their
parents, taking care of children or a pet, etc. being there for others makes
people feel good about themselves. You don't have to be alone, and you don't
have to go through things alone.
Cut Toxic People From Your Life
Things
like loneliness, envy, guilt and low self-esteem can fuel a negative and
judgmental outlook on life. Having toxic people around you who provoke you,
trigger your worst qualities or make you feel badly about yourself are not
healthy to have around, especially when you are in a vulnerable place. Do not
spend time with negative people for the sake of spending time with someone.
Find the inner strength to walk away, and build new, healthy relationships that
make you happy. Surrounding yourself with the wrong people will not ease your
loneliness, invest time in meeting people who make you happy, and make you a
better person.
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