Did you know that loneliness and isolation are having a negative impact on your overall health and well-being?
All of us want a healthy lifestyle that leads to increased health and happiness, yet our feelings of loneliness and isolation are preventing us from having the vigorous life we desire. However, the good news is that transformation is possible. With just a bit of intentionality, we can move past our feelings of loneliness and live a more connected and healthier life.
What Are the Health Risks of Isolation?
The health risks of loneliness and social isolation are staggering. According to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, the epidemic of loneliness is taking its toll on our health. Social isolation increases risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. In addition, it is causing a rise in depression and anxiety, as well as a cognitive decline. Loneliness has become our new epidemic, and the results are devastating.
In Murthy’s 2023 report, he stated that half of all adults feel significantly lonely at least once a day. As a result, our physical health and mental health are in decline, and we now have a crisis on our hands.
How did we get here? What caused this epidemic? And how do we move beyond it to live the healthy life of community that God intended?
How Did We Get Here?
While there are perhaps many contributing factors to our epidemic of loneliness, one of the leading causes is our obsession with hurry and busyness. We thrive on living full lives, and while a full life is great, a frantic life is not. Our meetings and calendar appointments often rob us of the deeply connected relationships we desire. Friendships take time to cultivate. If we are addicted to hurrying, we won’t take the time to sit and have a cup of coffee and a conversation with a friend.
Another contributing factor is our addiction to our devices. The internet was developed to keep us connected, and it does to a certain degree. However, it doesn’t provide the face-to-face community our souls crave. San Francisco News states that our addiction to scrolling has become a major contributor to our loneliness. The more a person scrolls, the lonelier they will feel.
Health research also confirms that adults who are socially connected live longer lives than those who are isolated. We experienced this firsthand during the recent pandemic, especially with the elderly. Those who were isolated from people seemed to give up. As a result, many perished, or at the least declined at an increased speed.
How Do We Move Forward Towards a More Connected and Healthier Lifestyle?
- Recognize we need each other. God said, “It is not good for man (or woman) to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We were created in the image of a relational God, and as such, we must have connected relationships in order to thrive.In Western cultures, we often celebrate independence, but this mindset may be doing us more harm than good. Nowhere in Scripture is independence celebrated; rather, we are designed for interdependent relationships. Living in isolation can lead to various health issues and is associated with increased mortality rates. Research shows that those who remain connected and engaged with others tend to lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. Embracing interdependence can significantly enhance our overall well-being.
- Get back to faith and prayer. At our core we were designed for a relationship with God. He wants a relationship with us (Revelation 3:20), and if we ignore that, we will feel a sense of loneliness in our souls. When the feeling of loneliness comes, view it as a signal. You might need to spend a bit of time talking with God. When you take the time to pray, it reminds you that you are never completely alone. God is always available to hear our prayers.
- Bond with a church. The church is meant to be the household of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19-22), a place where we can truly belong. While many have distanced themselves from the church due to disappointment or hurt, this choice can be a mistake. The local church remains one of God’s primary avenues for fostering community and connection. Following the surgeon general’s report on loneliness, a news reporter emphasized the importance of encouraging Generation X to return to church. In a time when loneliness is on the rise, we need to rediscover the vital bonds that local churches can offer. When we invest time in connecting with a church, we gain not just a community, but an extended family. Is it perfect? No, but it is a safe haven where we can find belonging and support.
- Join a gym. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Honoring this temple means taking care of ourselves through healthy eating and regular exercise. Instead of exercising in solitude, consider joining a gym. Investing in a membership increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with your fitness routine. Plus, working out in a gym provides the opportunity to connect with others who are also committed to a healthier lifestyle, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Many gyms offer classes and social events, creating additional chances to build community. Participating in these activities can be a wonderful way to meet like-minded individuals and strengthen your commitment to well-being.
- Invite someone over to your house. The New Testament encourages us to offer hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). Welcoming others into our homes allows our relationships to deepen. In recent years, it has become common to meet friends for coffee or dinner at cafes and restaurants. However, what if we returned to the tradition of inviting others into our homes? Dinner doesn’t need to be elaborate, and your home doesn’t have to be perfect. What I can promise is that those who enter your home will be the ones with whom you forge closer, more meaningful connections.
The truth is, in order to reverse the negative health effects of the epidemic we are currently in as a culture, we must begin to take intentional steps to deepen our connections. Remember, we need each other! As we prioritize the practice of prayer, we’ll deepen our connection with God. Let’s bond with a church and discover the beauty of living in a community with others. Let’s commit to regular exercise at a local gym and ask God to show us the people with whom we might connect. Finally, let’s get back to hospitality.
As you try these suggestions over the next few months, I promise you’re going to feel more connected and less lonely. As a result, you’re going to enjoy a happier and healthier life.
Author Bio:
A best-selling author, Becky Harling has written 15 books. She is a popular speaker at
conferences, retreats and other events. Becky is a John Maxwell leadership and
communications coach. She has been a guest on many media outlets including Focus on
the Family, Family Life Today, 100 Huntley Street, Moody radio and the Total Christ
Television Today Show. Becky is the host of The Connected Mom Podcast and loves
encouraging other moms to connect more intentionally. She loves hiking with her
husband, playing with her 14 grandkids, shopping with her daughters, hanging out with
her son and having coffee with friends!
Connect with Becky www.beckyharling.com