10 Strategies to Combat Loneliness

"What can people do to combat loneliness? This was the central question of a study conducted by researchers Colter D. Ray and Holly Rushin of the University of Tampa. To pursue this inquiry, they recruited a nationally representative sample of 621 adults and asked them about the coping strategies they used to overcome loneliness, as well as what they found effective and ineffective. From there, Ray and Rushin analyzed the data."

"An analysis yielded 10 primary strategies to ward off loneliness, which are summarized below. Investing in Existing Relationships. This strategy refers to intentional efforts to spend more time and have regular contact with friends and family, such as date nights, game nights, or connecting virtually. A participant shared: "I scheduled regular video calls with family and friends back home to catch up and stay connected. These calls helped me maintain the bonds I had with my loved ones, even though we were miles apart.""

Loneliness affects a large portion of adults globally and carries serious psychological and physical health consequences, including depression, self-harm, suicide risk, hypertension, fatigue, and premature aging. One estimate equates loneliness's mortality risk to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. A nationally representative sample of 621 adults reported coping strategies for loneliness and rated their effectiveness; analysis identified ten primary strategies. Key strategies include investing in existing relationships through intentional contact and scheduled virtual calls, engaging in productive solo activities and hobbies to find fulfillment, and adopting healthy lifestyle changes and behaviors to improve well-being.

Read at Psychology Today