Why You Feel Lonely (Even if You Have Friends) and Three Solutions that Work (Podcast Episode 302)

Feeling lonely sucks! If you’re here with me now, you’ve likely experienced the pain of feeling lonely or isolated at some point in your life. Social connection is imperative for humans. It improves our mental well-being and our physical health. Studies have even shown that a lack of social connection can be more detrimental to your health than smoking or obesity! So, what do you do if you feel lonely (even when you’re surrounded by people)? Today we’re diving into the stigma of loneliness, the difference between being alone and being lonely, why most loneliness tips haven’t worked for you and my top three solutions to shift from feeling lonely to feeling more connected and at peace.

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Resources for Why You Feel Lonely (Even if You Have Friends) and Three Solutions that Work

Four Ways to Be More Self-Aware

Calibration Exercise: Create a Positive Vibration to Start Your Day with Dr. Abby Medcalf

How Do You Know If You’re Making the Right Decision Following Your Gut?

Optimism Jumpstart Workshop

The VIA Character Strengths Survey

Learn to Meditate for 15 Minutes in Just 15 Days

Focus on Self-Love Not Just Self-Compassion

Loving Kindness Guided Meditation with Dr. Abby Medcalf

Be a Connection Boss with Dr. Abby Medcalf

Meditation Starter Kit

Research for Why You Feel Lonely (Even if You Have Friends) and Three Solutions that Work

House, J. S., Landis, K. R., & Umberson, D. (1988). Social Relationships and Health. Science. https://doi.org/3399889

Leigh-Hunt N, Bagguley D, Bash K, Turner V, Turnbull S, Valtorta N, Caan W. An overview of systematic reviews on the public health consequences of social isolation and loneliness. Public Health. 2017 Nov;152:157-171. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.07.035. Epub

Nicolaisen, M., & Thorsen, K. (2016). What Are Friends for? Friendships and Loneliness Over the Lifespan—From 18 to 79 Years. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415016655166

Luhmann, Maike & Hawkley, Louise. (2016). Age Differences in Loneliness From Late Adolescence to Oldest Old Age. Developmental Psychology. 52. 943-959. 10.1037/dev0000117.

Psycho-Cybernetics: Updated and Expanded by Maxwell Maltz

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

AKIN, Ahmet. (2010). Self-compassion and Loneliness. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences. 2. 702-718.

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