If you have experienced feelings of loneliness, you’re not alone, with a recent report finding that five million Australians have had similar feelings.
Loneliness can have a lasting impact and the health implications have been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or consuming six alcoholic drinks per day.
Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist and Lifestyle Expert, Andria Aird, along with healthcare professionals in Australia, are joining the World Health Organisation’s global effort to ensure a future with access to healthcare for all.
“Loneliness affects over one-quarter of Australians. It can occur for people when they feel sad or disconnected because they are not experiencing the amount of social interaction a person needs. Or it can also occur when someone is surrounded by lots of people but feels disconnected from individuals, groups or their environment.”
“When we start to feel lonely or isolated it’s important to acknowledge this and find ways to address it early on before it leads to longer-term issues such as depression or anxiety, sleep problems, increased stress, or impaired immunity,” says Ms Aird.
Blooms The Chemist shares these six tips to support a feeling of connectedness.
1. Connect with like-minded people
Consider joining a community group, organisation or sports club to align with people who enjoy similar things – it’s also a great opportunity to connect with a new crowd that you may not have interacted with otherwise. In a modern world consider connecting with new people online – you may be surprised to see how many other individuals are in the same boat as you. Try social media groups or apps to meet friends or to connect with people that share a similar interest to you, such as baking groups, home décor hack groups and FIFO partner groups, to name a few.
2. Stick to your own pace
If you’re not quite ready to add a community or sports group to your schedule, start small. Stick to your own pace and don’t put pressure on yourself to over-commit to social activities. It could be as easy as striking up a conversation with a neighbour or your local grocer or checking in via text with an old friend. You may choose to set up a regular walk on a certain day to connect with someone close by as part of your daily dose of exercise.
3. Find fulfilment through volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to find purpose, fulfilment and connect with others. This could be local initiatives like a bake sale or fundraiser at your local pharmacy or sports club, or you could reach out to a women’s shelter, retirement village or with an environmental group. Speak to your local community Pharmacist at Blooms The Chemist as they be involved in local initiatives and can offer suggestions for how to get involved.
4. Set a daily routine
Ensure you plan your day and set small goals for yourself to help you feel accomplished. Include activities that are meaningful and enjoyable to you, and where possible create an opportunity to connect with others. Try setting small tasks and goals with daily reminders in your phone or an activity planner – for example take a 30-minute walk before breakfast, schedule overdue health appointments or respond to emails and texts.
5. Move your body and get outdoors
Scientific studies have shown the benefit of Vitamin D to support mental wellbeing and mood, so it is important to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily to get a daily dose of sunshine, not only for physical wellbeing but for mental wellbeing too. It has been shown to help support healthy blood pressure, the immune system and improve quality of sleep too. Spending too much time indoors can lead to feelings of isolation.
6. Access support in moments that matter
As the most accessible healthcare professionals, the relationship with your community Pharmacist is more valuable than ever, providing a safe place to pop in, have a real conversation and connect with people who genuinely care.
“At Blooms The Chemist, we have experienced many more people coming into our pharmacies for expert lifestyle tips and advice on how to navigate these challenging times,” explains Ms Aird.
“We take this opportunity to remind people that you don’t have to compromise on receiving high-quality care and connection, and to expect more from your pharmacy. When you want to have a real conversation with a Pharmacist, Blooms The Chemist is where you can expect, and receive, the expert care you deserve,” says Ms Aird.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress, help is available. Speak to your local Pharmacist or contact Lifeline Australia 13 11 14.
This story was originally published on The Carousel.
