There has never been a better opportunity for reconnection than right now—in this noisy, tired world we’re living in. Despite the many markers of societal advancement, the range of technology, our ability to travel and our access to knowledge—we’re still the most disconnected we’ve ever been. And sadly, it is making not just our minds sick, but our bodies, too.
Loneliness is more than just a bad feeling.Social disconnection has profound consequences —it harms both individual and societal health. According toDr. Vivek H. Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General, loneliness actually cases greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Dr. Vivek also states that:
“Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.”
Loneliness has the same health consequences as full-on smoking. That is truly staggering. How did we get here? To the point where humanity is so lonely we’ve become physically sick? And more importantly, what is the antidote to loneliness? Well, it’s more than just one thing. And it requires us to build up the skills we need to stay connected when we’re overwhelmed, sad, and alone.
Here is what tends to be true about us humans:
1. We are neurologically wired for connection; as a species we are social. And to do our best, to be our best, we need to be in community with others, we need reciprocity, support, and connection.
2. Even though we are wired for connection, we are basically allergic to looking at each other in the eyes for more than 20seconds.
And it’s this paradox that kills me. We need each other, but often, the people we love the most are the hardest to connect with. It’s a lot to unpack. And we’ve started the process on Season 2 of my podcast,“Unlonely”. I hope you’ll tune in, because I’m bringing in experts who collectively, have the answers. I have to pinch myself when I think about this line-up of guests—they are truly astounding.
We’ll be discussing the loneliness epidemic through the lens of health, relationships, mindfulness, and unfiltered stories about humanity that will remind us just how connected we can be. I’ll meet you there.
