Staying isolated can hurt more than your feelings.

Okay, so loneliness doesn’t seem like the most obvious bad habit. In fact, it doesn’t seem like it’s a habit at all. You’re either lonely or not, right?

But guess what? Being lonely can increase your risk for a number of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, sleep problems, decreased ability to deal with stress and weakened immune system. And while those effects may not show up until later in life, the damage can start early. As you age, chronic loneliness and isolation can actually increase your risk of early death!

Now for the good news: You can create good habits to make social connections and help keep loneliness away.

Try these ideas to make social connections.

• Invite someone to hang out with you, whether it’s for coffee, a movie or a walk around the local park.
• Send a message to someone you care about to let them know they’re on your mind.
• Join a group that shares your interests like a book or cooking club.
• Sign up for an exercise class like yoga or join a walking group.
• Volunteer at an organization whose cause you care about.

It only takes one or two close, supportive friends or family members to  make a big difference, and you can even benefit from time with someone  you don’t know well. So, take a moment to reach out. It could help improve your overall well-being!

Source: webmd.com

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