THREAD: As #COVID19 forces us to physically distance from one another and as our contact with other people drops, society is at risk for a *social recession*. A social recession is marked by an increase in #loneliness and isolation. (1/x)
Here’s why this matters: Loneliness feels bad. And it’s stressful - not just emotionally but physically as well. In the long term, the stress state triggered by chronic loneliness can increase levels of inflammation in our body and increase our risk for illness. (2/x)
This likely explains why loneliness is associated with higher risk of heart disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety.
When we’re chronically lonely, it also affects how we show up at work and for our families. (3/x)
When we’re chronically lonely, it also affects how we show up at work and for our families. (3/x)
According to a 2018 study by @KFF and @TheEconomist, 22% of adults in the US struggle with loneliness - more than the number of adults who have diabetes or smoke. The potential COVID19 social recession threatens to worsen an already common problem of loneliness. (4/x)
But there is good news: not only is it possible to maintain our social connections, but it is also possible to strengthen those connections so they are more robust and fulfilling than when this pandemic started. How do we do this during this era of physical distancing? (5/x)
First, spend at least 15 minutes *each day* reaching out to someone you love (outside of your household). Video conference or call or write them. 15 minutes/day isn’t a lot of time, but it will make you feel better and will strengthen your lifeline to the outside world. (6/x)
Second, make the time you do spend with people count. When we put away our phones, computers, and television during conversation, we increase the quality of our interaction with others. Especially when our time is limited, quality matters. (7/x)
Third, find a few moments a day to put away technology and work and enjoy solitude. You can use this time for meditation, prayer, a gratitude exercise or going on a solo walk in nature. Moments of solitude can help us feel more grounded and at peace. (8/x)
Fourth, reach out to help others. That can mean calling a neighbor to check on them or delivering food to a work colleague who's having a tough time. When we serve others, we strengthen our connection to them and we remind ourselves that we have value to add to the world. (9/x)
Amid the uncertainty and confusion of this COVID19 pandemic, one thing has become clear: we need each other. (10/x)
There may be a bright spot to this crisis. It can help us pull back the curtain on the deeper well of loneliness that has plagued so many for so long. It can also remind us that we are all vulnerable when it comes to weakening social ties. (11/x)
Let us respond to COVID19 by recommitting to strengthen the human connections in our lives. If we do so, we may very well emerge stronger and more connected than before this pandemic began. That is the choice before us. (12/x END)
