Connecting people-to-people and the resources important to them is at the core of everything we do at the Sedona Community Center. Still, many people, probably all of us at one time or another, have felt lonely and experienced social isolation.
During the winter, these feelings have been described as cabin fever, winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s that lingering state of dreariness and depression that accompanies shorter and colder days. But, winter time is not the only time people suffer with the symptoms of social isolation. And, although we may think of social isolation as a problem of the elderly people in our community, the facts are that people of all ages, any season of the year, may experience it.
According to a study commissioned by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), chronic loneliness is on the rise. Millions of Americans (age 45 and older) have this self-perpetuating affliction. Some 3,000 participants rated themselves using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Thirty-five percent were chronically lonely, compared to 20 percent in a similar survey conducted a decade earlier. Loneliness was equally prevalent no matter one’s race, gender or education level. Those in their 40s and 50s suffered the most. More information at:quest.mda.org/article/fight-back-against-isolation-and-loneliness
Tips for Fighting the Winter Blahs and Social Isolation
1. Move More: In a study published in Perception and Motor Skills, researchers found that even a single exercise session at any intensity can increase positive mood feelings and decrease the negative ones.
2. Plan a Budget: Money worries top the list of things that lead to relationship problems, depression, and worry. Especially during the winter holidays, going in with a pre-planned budget can assist you in avoiding this pitfall.
3. Eat Right: Like exercise, we know maintaining a balanced diet is imperative to good health. Beware of factors that interrupt your healthy routine like parties, poor health, bad weather, or other reasons.
4. Limit Alcohol Usage: One study, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, found that although alcohol use may help put you to sleep, overall good quality rest is impaired and this is particularly true for women.
5. Strive for Social Interaction: The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry conducted a study of over 33,000 people that found social isolation puts you at greater risk for mental health problems. The exciting part is there are many ways to get the daily dose of social interaction that you need—
• Seek Out and Sit: Find places where it is acceptable to sit near other people—the library, coffee shop, or bookstore.
• Smile and Chat: Make a point to smile at others and make small talk with the cashier at the grocery store.
• Open Your Home: If it is difficult for you to go out, invite others in by hosting a party or meeting. Ask them to bring a dish to keep your efforts and cost down.
• Try or Start Something New: Anything from trying that new restaurant down the street to joining a Meditation Class, or hosting a Scrabble Match.
• Volunteer: Citywide opportunities are available to suit all types of lifestyles and interests.
• Become Tech Savvy: Use your technology wisely. Facebook and email are great ways to stay connected but be sure to mix-it-up with phone calls and enjoy the sound of someone else’s voice. Best of all? Those face-to-face interactions.
More information at: www.health.com/health/gallery
And remember, your Sedona Community Center is a great place to meet people, socialize, and engage in many of the helpful suggestions listed above. You can check out our calendar of events and weekly menu at www.SCCSedona.org, drop by the Center at 2615 Melody Lane, or call 928.282.2834 for more information.
