Do you feel more lonely this time of year?
As we approach Christmas, I’ve been reflecting on loneliness. It’s a feeling many of us have grappled with, especially during the pandemic. COVID-19 brought us one of the largest-scale experiments on the impact of loneliness on health. For some, the effects linger even now—working from home and living alone has become a norm for many, amplifying feelings of isolation.
A widely reported study famously claimed that loneliness has the same impact on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While that headline might be sensationalised, there is significant truth behind it. Research has shown that loneliness increases the likelihood of premature death by 50%. It heightens vulnerability to heart attacks, strokes, and dementia while also exacerbating mental health struggles and sleep problems.
The rapid rise of social media and mobile phone use hasn’t alleviated this issue. Ironically, these tools meant to connect us often deepen feelings of disconnection. They can’t replace the power of genuine, face-to-face human interaction—something studies consistently show is vital for our well-being.
One group I’ve noticed to be particularly affected by loneliness is middle-aged men. Despite often being surrounded by family and consumed by work, their social connections outside of these realms frequently take a backseat. Friendships can fall by the wayside in the hustle of daily life, leaving a void that can be hard to fill.
As we navigate the holiday season, a time traditionally associated with togetherness, it’s worth reflecting on how we can foster meaningful connections. Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend, joining a local group or club, or simply taking the time to engage in real conversations, small steps can make a big difference.
What are your thoughts? Have you experienced this sense of loneliness, or do you know someone who has?
Think about what strategies you could introduce to increase your social interactions (and others) and combat loneliness.
