Avoid being lonely to live healthy

Loneliness is the distressing feeling of isolation leading to a desire for company. Fear of being alone is the foremost cause of anxiety as we grow old. Loneliness is very common among older people. Loneliness is the major worry among most of the older people. A survey reports that young adults in the age groups of 20s report more pain, distress, and loneliness than all other age groups. Loneliness is very much painful and disturbing for people of all age groups from child to older people.

Researches have even reported that loneliness leads to depression, anxiety, and anger, as well as increases the vulnerability to physical health problems. Some studies even say that people who feel lonely or isolated may have a harder time to get a good sleep at night. It is found that the people who are lonely work more regularly during the night than those who are socially fulfilled. Scientific studies even say that loneliness speeds aging.

Though loneliness is not the only cause for depression, loneliness increases the risks of depression and other mental and physical problems. It is well known that depression adversely affects physical as well as general health of a person. Depression leads to poor sleep, hormonal changes, tension, anxiety, feelings of extreme sadness or guiltiness, poor concentration, loss of appetite or overeating, energy loss, chronic fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.

Loneliness may lead to lack of social and mental exercises, in turn leading to negative influence over health and longevity. Loneliness and social isolation impacts our health in ways comparable to the effects of high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking. In fact, a person's progress and growth is affected by loneliness. A lonely person could be bored or frustrated due to lack of things to do or people to talk to. Though loneliness is not harmful, it is marked by deep feelings of isolation. Loneliness and lack of contact with friends and family is a greater worry that may even serve as a cause for declining health or finances. Loneliness may result in sleep disturbances and high blood pressure, thus increasing the risk for heart disease. The health impacts associated with loneliness are higher blood pressure, weakened immune function and increased stress hormones. The chronic feelings of loneliness can force a cascade of physiological events that may accelerate the aging process.

With all the above adverse effects of loneliness, it is always better to avoid loneliness. Developing new relationships can help relieve loneliness. Older people can form a social group to help prevent and treat loneliness and related problems. You can participate in variety of activities and entertainments. This way you can avoid being lonely and prevent the negative effects of loneliness, thus leading to a healthy and long life. A healthy mix of enjoyable company and productive time alone can help any person to grow with a sense of balance and self-control. Social interaction is one of the best ways to improve your mood, sense of well-being and general health.

If you are unable to avoid loneliness, you may at least need some sort of relaxation to find a lifestyle that pay no heed to the feeling of isolation while upholding the other important dimensions of your life. Self-realization and self-awareness make loneliness impossible. If you think loneliness may be the cause of your weariness, share your feelings with your friend, family, or a counselor.