In this video from 2016, the UK’s Mental Health Foundation shares some startling statistics: isolation can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
How Isolation Impacts Our Health
“We are made for community, to be connected with others, in fact we cant thrive in life without good relationships” the Mental Health Foundation says. Experiencing isolation can place us at greater risk for high blood pressure, poor sleep, and damaged immunity. Fostering relationships, on the other hand, can keep our brains healthy and help us live longer. “We can all do something every day to change bad patterns, connect with those around us and improve the quality of our relationships,” the Mental Health Foundation says. “Whether it’s the man at the bus stop, the lady who lives upstairs, your dad, an old school friend or a colleague at work, there is someone you can connect with right now.” Not sure where to start? Here are three mindful things you can do right now:
