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July 11th is National Cheer Up the Lonely Day. It is a time of reaching out to people who are at risk of depression, anxiety, addiction and physical illness related to loneliness. The Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy has shone the light on the social ill as he declares, “The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%.” Loneliness is truly a lack of connection. As we are emerging from a three year experience of necessary seclusion, people are even hungrier for heart to heart interactions.
There are places and opportunities where we can connect such as school, workplace, gym, faith communities, volunteer locations, community projects, clubs, political activity, voter registration. Meetups is a wonderful platform for people with similar interests to join together.
There are also support groups for nearly any need, ranging from 12 step programs, to those for caregivers, from those living with serious illnesses, to those who have lost children, partners or spouses. Facebook groups that focus on career or hobby interests can be a wonderful way to connect even if you never meet these people face to face.
Even simpler, we can reach out to our neighbors. Make eye contact as you acknowledge those who share your world. Say hello to those you pass on the street, in your building or the check out line in the supermarket. Now that our masks are off, we can display our beautiful smiles. With consent, offer hugs.
When my son was a teenager, he used to ask why I said hello to strangers, flirted with babies, and also started conversations with people anywhere I went. I explained to him that since we are in each other’s proximity, it felt important to recognize our shared humanity. We never know who will become our friends. I believe that there is always something working behind the scenes, conspiring to bring people together for ‘a reason, season or a lifetime.’ I also let him know that I learned from my father who knew someone everywhere we went.
When I am out and about with my grandchildren (14 months old and 3 1/2 years old), they spontaneously wave and we ask them to say hello to people we encounter. I hope they are always friendly.
In your own circles, you can check in on stay at home neighbors, especially if they are older or infirm. Bring meals, offer to go grocery shopping, mow their lawn or shovel their snow. You can surprise neighbors with baked goods. You can invite new neighbors to gatherings at your home. You can share extra produce from your haul at your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). You can organize neighborhood porch concerts where local musicians perform as people walk by to enjoy various types of music. Ask neighbors to join you in walks, bike rides or hikes. Clean up a corner of your community and plant a garden. Start your own kindness movement like this one. Offer FREE HUGS in your neck of the woods.
For your entertainment, songs about loneliness and songs about friendship.
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock
