Studies say that 58% of Americans feel lonely.
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For some people, the holiday season can be a more complicated mix of feelings, including melancholy, loneliness, and isolation.
Particularly in the United States, many may choose to keep their distance once more this year during the “tridemic” influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
A 2021 study of Morning Consult found that 58% of Americans feel lonely, some due to circumstances beyond their control and others by choice.
In this regard, Dr. Jeremy Nobel, who teaches a class on loneliness at Harvard, says that social expectations play a role in loneliness during the holiday season.
“It’s not just the isolation, it’s the expectation created by the culture, by announcing that the only normal way to be at parties, the only way to access joy and the celebration is being with others,” Nobel told PBS NewsHour’s Nicole Ellis.
Loneliness and isolation are often associated with its effects on mental and emotional health. But Nobel says it’s also important to understand the impact on physical health that experiencing such feelings can have.
Loneliness is an opportunity to connect with you
Regardless of the type of loneliness a person experiences, Nobel says that the connection with oneself is important to grow the connections with others.
“Often the path to connecting with others begins with connecting with yourself. Giving yourself the space, being authentically curious regarding what matters to you in the world, what interests you,” recommends Nobel.
Explain that this way, as you move towards that and explore that, you open up channels to connect with other people who have similar curiosities and interests.
“You can express that curiosity in the object made, whether it’s a drawing, a poem, or even a cheesecake that you then take to your next-door neighbor,” he said.
“That made object is something that can later be invited into conversation and [son] those conversations and their authenticities that connect us”.
Nobel launched and leads Project Unlonely en la Foundation for Art & Healingwhich promotes the creative arts as a way to explore curiosities and make connections.
They explain that authentic connection to yourself and others helps pave the way, and that getting involved in the arts can help support mental and physical health.
On the site they offer creative activities that you can try on your own or send to someone else you’re thinking regarding this season, as well as movies from their UnLonely Film Festival to watch, discuss and share.
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