Loneliness is becoming an epidemic in the US, with nearly half of people reporting that they feel lonely in a recent survey by Cigna. Loneliness isn’t just unfortunate. It’s also a real health concern. Lonely people experience worse mental and physical health than people who have meaningful interactions with others. If loneliness is affecting your health, we, at Better Divorce Academy, outline some things you can do about it. 

Resources at Your Fingertips

Take advantage of the resources available through technology. Here is a list of resources to help you prepare, along with several sites to visit first.

• Technology to the rescue! Learn about the different ways technology can boost your health. 
• A change of scenery and even living arrangements can help break things up, especially if you’re going through a separation or divorce. Look for affordable housing in your area with handy online resources.
• Approximately 3.4 billion people use smartphones and tablets worldwide. Smartphone apps can help people develop healthy habits and access health-related information more readily. 

Mental Health Resources

Read up on ways to boost your overall mental health and live a healthier lifestyle all day long, whether you’re at work, relaxing at home, or chasing the kiddos around.

• You can help relieve stress and promote work-life balance by learning to say “no” and prioritizing non-work activities. 
• Mindfulness apps can help you combat anxiety, sleep better, and hone your focus. 

Social Health Resources

Hectic schedules can often lead to us neglecting the social aspect of our health. Combat the issue by employing a few of these resources.

• Positive social habits can help build support systems and stay healthier both mentally and physically. 
• Connect with others locally who share the same interests and hobbies as you. For instance, you could volunteer at local charities and organizations in your area. 
• Explore a few of the most popular dating sites to decide which is best as a starting place for you.

Physical Health Resources

There are opportunities to improve our physical health all around us. Use the resources below to get to the gym, find a nearby farmer’s market, and schedule a yearly check-up.

• Work with a personal trainer to make transformative fitness and health changes.
• Take full advantage of the outdoors by finding a nearby park to explore. The fresh air and exercise will do you a world of good.
• Improve your home’s air quality by investing in an air purifier, vacuuming regularly, and enlisting the help of chimney sweeping services.
• Invest in your health and local farmers by visiting a nearby farmer’s market.
• When you’re not able to get to a local farmers market, you can make grocery shopping super simple: order groceries from your phone and have them delivered to your doorstep.
• If it’s been over a year since your last physical, it’s time to schedule the next one. 

If you need help forming meaningful relationships or need a push to schedule doctor appointments that are long past due, these resources make it simple to take the first steps toward better physical, mental, and social health.