Do You Sometimes Struggle with Loneliness?

People struggle with loneliness from time to time, whether they are aware of it or not. In addition, the stress and fears of a pandemic can exacerbate their feelings of loneliness. Statistics show that the most affected by loneliness are young people under 30 and people over 85.

1. Loneliness, is a feeling that strikes you from time to time

It is estimated that more than 40% of people experience a painful feeling of loneliness during their lifetime. Many Romanians have loneliness, which is hard to bear. This does not mean that they can last indefinitely, especially if you want a lifestyle change. The first step to getting out of safety is to be aware that you are feeling alone. Many people do not recognize this and even play theater, telling those around them that they are well and happy.

Psychologists advise people not to be overwhelmed by negative thoughts because loneliness can be eliminated by changing the current thinking and lifestyle.

Loneliness does not depend on the relationships we have or the number of friends. The feeling depends on the subjective quality of our relationship. Some people feel alone in a relationship or even when they are surrounded by friends. This is no longer a novelty today, the feeling of loneliness being very oppressive for many people in our country.

Statistics show that over 60% of married people feel alone. Many people in the couple, or who are already married, no longer share their thoughts, feelings, experiences, they feel alone and alienated. They have loneliness, they feel that they are no longer understood by their loved ones and they do not have the energy to change anything.

Loneliness disrupts people's thinking and perceptions about relationships. People who experience such feelings tend to distance themselves from friends to alleviate their loneliness.

Other issues of loneliness

Loneliness affects your health. According to research by researchers, loneliness can cause a cold sensation, it lowers body temperature. Loneliness can also increase blood pressure and cholesterol, activating the body's response to physical and psychological stress.

Loneliness has also been associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease. People who live alone for many years have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease because they constantly suffer from intense stress caused by these unpleasant conditions.

Loneliness can weaken the body's immune system, or in any case make it less effective. Given all these aspects, we could say that loneliness is a major risk to human health and longevity in the long run. Experts have explained this but also the fact that chronic loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 14%.

2. Loneliness and low self-esteem

Psychologists have found that young people who suffer from loneliness do not thrive physically and mentally. Some are affected by trauma, stress, the loss of loved ones and this makes them feel lonely, even if they have friends.

They also refer to children aged 11–15. People who have loneliness, boredom, sadness, and nervousness also have low life satisfaction and negative body perception. To this is added the unhealthy lifestyle, the fact that they do not exercise or exercise and do not have a balanced diet. In addition, some young people smoke and drink alcohol, which affects their health.

The high incidence of loneliness occurs especially among the unemployed and people who have retired early. Also, those who are burdened with the disease have intense states of loneliness, they find it difficult to develop and maintain social relationships in everyday life.

Other reasons for loneliness

• People feel lonely for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Anxiety, fears, depression, other mental health conditions

• The loss of loved ones and the pain of parting

• Different traumas

• Disabilities, diseases, chronic conditions

• Communication problems

• Lack of meaningful relationships and experiencing existential crises.

3. How to overcome loneliness

Loneliness does not have to last forever, it can be overcome if certain aspects are taken into account, namely:

• By changing your lifestyle, through yoga exercises, meditation, and relaxing activities

• Through mindfulness activities that can reduce and even eliminate feelings of loneliness

• Through self-compassionate activities, or by learning to be happy (eg, daily walks, some enjoyable physical activity, meditation, music, or art therapy)

• By promoting creativity and reconnecting with people

• Finding an online community (for lovers of movies, books, games, and more)

By practicing a hobby, such as painting or knitting

Going to the parks, relaxing in nature, or going to church, to regain your peace of mind.

The best way to combat loneliness is to walk with a friend. Exercise helps stimulate endorphins and this will induce well-being.

A pet saves you from loneliness

Walking with a pet, such as a dog, can help eliminate loneliness. Opinion polls show that 80% of pet owners say they feel less alone because of their non-speaking friends. A dog, raised as a pet, can change your life for the better.

Studies show that in general, people are happier spending time with a pet because it gives them joy and helps them to strengthen their social relationships. Dogs, for example, have a beneficial effect on mood and mental health and even help reduce the risk of developing many diseases (eg depression, anxiety).

Pets can also be used for therapeutic purposes, they can improve the quality of life and mental health of the elderly or those who feel alone.

Researchers have also found that pets, especially dogs, can have a positive effect on people's mental health by reducing depression. People who feel lonely, sad, and depressed can adopt a dog as a pet because it will help to significantly improve their daily life.