HEALTH BEAT
You know the old saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what happens if you just can’t find enough sugar to make it palatable? That’s the situation many find themselves in when they lose a spouse or dear friend, change jobs, or look at the empty nest when their kids move out.
I’m talking about loneliness and, in this post-pandemic world, it’s affecting many more people. So, how to cope? For starters, researchers say you have to acknowledge loneliness and how it’s affecting you. If you’re working, perhaps reach out to the Employee Assistance Program to talk about your feelings. Turn to friends or family to let them know and how they can help. Be alert to when the ‘online’ world helps or hurts. Sometimes we can feel part of a community online. However, the curated world others post can also add to our sense of isolation. Seek out volunteer opportunities. Numerous organizations need a helping hand and you can set your own hours. Not only will this bring you in contact with others but also provide a sense of accomplishment by helping others. Joining a group is another way to connect. Meetup is an online platform where you can find groups that match your interest(s), including walking groups: https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/12201/
Finally, take care of yourself – that means getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours is recommended for heart health), eat a healthy diet, exercise and, when possible, enjoy the sunshine. If the feelings of loneliness persist or worsen, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.