In today’s world, loneliness has become an epidemic. Despite the ease of communication with the advancements in technology, many people have been suffering from solitude and emotional disconnection. This state of affairs is not a social issue but affects our mental and physical well-being.
In this blog, we will shed light on the roots of this epidemic, deriving inspiration from the insights of ancient philosophers and modern-age psychologists and scientifically proven actionable strategies to overcome the state of isolation. Our objective is to inspire individuals greatly so they get rid of isolation and come out to enjoy a Happier and healthier life.
Loneliness in a Connected World
Advancements in science and technology have made connecting with others easier than ever before. Yet, urban lifestyles, remote work, and the rise of social media contribute to feelings of disconnection. A 2018 Cigna survey revealed that nearly half of people in developed nations report feeling alone, with many lacking deep, meaningful relationships.
These feelings can have significant long-term effects, including increased stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. However, there is hope. By understanding the root causes of this disconnect and adopting thoughtful, actionable strategies, it’s possible to lead a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Drawing on the wisdom of ancient philosophers, insights from modern psychology, and scientifically proven techniques, we can build stronger connections and embrace a more vibrant, contented existence.
The causes of loneliness:
Ancient Wisdom on Human Connection
Ancient philosophers gave great importance to human connection even long before the term loneliness epidemic was coined. Aristotle, in his book, Politics, declared human beings as social animals. He was of the viewpoint that without social connections we can’t explore the full potential of human beings. He also propagated that individuals who adopt solitude will have to face numerous issues in life.
The philosopher Epictetus said that strengthening relations with others has been a natural phenomenon. He was of the point that building strong relations with society is not only an emotional need but also a moral duty. STOICS also emphasized that living interconnected means living with wellness in all spheres of life.
Modern Psychology: A Scientific Approach to Isolation
In the previous few decades, psychologists have studied isolation in depth and found its harmful effects on our physical and mental well-being. Dr. John Caiopo, a great name in psychology, has been of the viewpoint that loneliness for humans is similar to hunger or thirst and needs strong human connections. The long period of it increases the CORTISOL stress hormone, which affects our physical and mental health to a greater extent.
Abraham Maslow, a great psychologist, gave a wonderful creation, ‘’ HIERARCHY OF NEEDS,” which means love and social relationships are more important than physiological needs. He emphasized that after the fundamental necessities of life, meaningful relationships carry the foremost importance.
Psychological causes of loneliness:
Despite scientific and technological advancement, many factors contribute to it, as described below.
Loneliness and Social Media:
An alarming situation is that social media was designed for our social relationships but the fact of the matter is that it may result in the opposite dimension.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine describes that intensive use of social media indicates social aloneness. Instead of strengthening relationships, social media platforms enhance shallow interaction that may create a feeling of poor emotional connectivity.
Individuals, while using such platforms, compare themselves with highly successful personalities, which exacerbate feelings of solitude. Philosopher Jean Paul Sartre suggested that when we look at ourselves through the eyes of others, we deviate from experience.
Relationship of Remote Work and Isolation:
Remote work undoubtedly provides flexibility yet it enhances feelings of loneliness. Without having direct physical interaction with colleagues at the workplace, many individuals complain of suffering from feelings of isolation.
Research published in ‘’ THE NEW YORK TIMES ‘’ explains that more than 50 % of people working remote jobs reported feelings of isolation as compared to their colleagues working at the office.
Urban living has another setback. No doubt cities are densely populated, even though they can be the loneliest places to live in. Individuals move to big cities for career opportunities as their families and friends are left behind.
Urbanization:
This state of affairs makes it difficult for them to maintain strong relationships with the people behind them. Research in psychological science reveals that it becomes more difficult for individuals to maintain strong relationships with others working in highly populated metropolitan cities despite living in a place with a large population.
Actionable Strategies to Build Strong Relationships:
No doubt, the isolation epidemic is prevailing yet there are magnificent strategies that can help you build strong relationships with people around you. These wonderful strategies have been supported by the wisdom of ancient philosophers as well as modern psychologists.
Vulnerability Plays a Pivotal Role in Developing Strong Relationships
The fear of vulnerability is one of the most important factors in establishing social relationships. Many people who are accustomed to loneliness find it difficult to maintain ease of conversation with others for fear of rejection. Brene Brown, a great figure in the realm of vulnerability, advocates that real connection needs to accept the discomfort while initially developing relations with others.
Actionable Strategy:
Never feel shy to share your feelings from the core of your heart with trusted family members and friends. Initiate by disclosing small things and then gradually move to reveal sensitive personal feelings and experiences.
Magnificent Power of Face-to-Face Communication:
Face-to-face communication can never be replaced even by modern technology, despite its great benefits for humanity. Psychologist Susan Pinker claims that direct contact with others triggers neurotransmitters, which release hormones to increase resilience, reduce stress, and boost mood.
Practical approach:
Try to meet directly with your family, friends, and colleagues when you find it possible. Even small interactions, such as walking and having a cup of coffee together, create a sense of connection.
Great Role of Mindfulness and Active Listening:
Mindfulness means to be in the present moment, which is important for developing strong relationships. Often people while conversing are distracted by their thoughts. By adopting active listening, we send signals of worth and prestige to others.
Feasible solution
During the conversation, put aside digital distractions, eye contact should be maintained, and totally focus on the person you are talking to. Coin open-ended questions; give importance to what they are saying to really give worth to the conversation.
Role of Reconnecting with Friends:
Reinitiate your friendship with your old friends. Studies show that reviving relations with our old friends reinvigorate the sense of bygone days.
Implementable plan:
It is nice to make a list of friends whom you have not seen for long. Contact one friend weekly. Initiate by a simple message or email how they are.
Importance of Community Groups:
Isolation can be diminished by finding a sense of objectivity and a larger interest in society. It is great to join welfare organizations, book clubs, or sports teams. It will help you to make connections with new people and meaningful objectives.
Actionable Strategy:
Try to find out about welfare organizations, local clubs, or volunteer organizations. Make it imperative to join monthly such a gathering that suits your interests; it will help you make connections with new people.
Focus on real interactions instead of social media.
As we have discussed earlier, extensive use of social media may contribute to isolation. Limiting your time for social media and focusing on real-world interaction can enhance your relationships, boost your mind, and help you have a happier life.
Action-oriented plan:
Daily social media usage should be specified for a limited time. For the remaining time, visit a friend or family member or contribute to a social activity.
Spectacular Power of Gratitude:
Psychologists believe that gratitude has the power to make one’s life happier and reduce feelings of loneliness. Always try to focus on the positive dimensions of your relationships instead of shortcomings. This will embrace you with a contented mindset.
Executable Strategy:
Maintain a gratitude journal. Daily, list three things related to your relationships and what you are grateful for. This simple yet powerful practice will provide you peace of mind and heart.
Final Thought: Breaking the Shackles of Loneliness
The loneliness epidemic may have a prevailing trend yet it can be curbed by developing strategies suggested by ancient philosophers and modern psychologists. By deriving inspiration from the insights of ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Epictetus as well as modern psychologists like Brene Brown and John Caiopo, we can cultivate our lives in a HAPPIER and HEATHIER manner.
Think about someone who was once closer to you, meet him, and develop strong relationships that will make your life HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, JOYFUL, AND CONTENTED.
