More and more adults go days without social interaction

Almost half of adults are isolated and feel lonely

Isolation during quarantine became a new norm because many people avoided crowds and even their loved ones or family for their own good and health purposes. Now, people continue to work from home and do not step into the office or other workplaces for days or even weeks.

With services like Postmates, products, gifts, flowers, and food deliveries, grocery stores provide home deliveries to your door, adding to the fact that people stay home for a long period. Many introverts and socially awkward people are comfortable by themselves, others might not be as happy alone.

People can socialize online or via devices, and that makes the loneliness less painful. However, most of these people who are staying home for prolonged periods of time suffer from loneliness, or this isolation can be initially caused by loneliness or other mental issues.

Social media and new technology devices make it easy to connect without leaving your house, but loneliness is not a thing of the past. Studies and polls show that adults are suffering form loneliness and almost half of them go days or weeks without conversations with other people.

A poll shows that 40% of adults get isolated from other people for days

Study finds that people often do not socialize with others for days^[1]. The poll explored these tendencies and showed that at least 28% of those surveyed said they felt lonely even at social events, and a quarter of them reported feelings of isolation in their workplace, too.

This isolating feeling with other people around even has a term. The phenomenon is called being "lonely in a crowd" and can affect at least 60% of young adults. When compared by gender, this feeling affects 38% of women and 30% of men.

Experts who administered this study and polls say that the unsettling trend of people's reluctance to talk about their feelings of loneliness is becoming a bigger problem each year. Keeping your emotions buried like that takes a toll on your mental and even physical health.

The study finds that loneliness negatively affects confidence, anxiety levels and intensity, and sleep habits and interferes with everyday activities for many people. Two in five people said their sleep suffered when they felt lonely, and 29% of the surveyed said they feel less attractive when they are down.

Three in 10 people admit that loneliness affects their diet. This is where eating disorders can come from. Stress eating, not eating, binge eating, and other habits can grow into serious problems like anorexia nervosa and trigger permanent damage to your health. This shows that little things like a lack of social interactions can grow into something really dangerous^[2].

Managing your loneliness and social isolation can help avoid serious issues

Recent studies show that social isolation can be linked to a higher mortality rate. A study from the Mayo Clinic found that being alone too much can make people age faster and have a higher chance of dying from different causes^[3]. Researchers say that people who don't socialize much often seem older than they are and are more likely to pass away early.

Anjula Mutanda, a relationship expert working with Zumba on a British study, mentioned that doing things with others, like group exercise, can help reduce loneliness.

"We are meant to be with others," she explained. "Studies in psychology show that being part of a group and feeling close to others is important for our survival and happiness."

But there's hope. Starting with small actions or getting help from loved ones or professionals can lead to making connections and feeling less lonely. Mutanda gave some advice on how to feel less lonely:

• Notice when you're avoiding people and wanting to be alone. Keep track of times you wanted to talk to someone but didn't.
• If you're starting to feel sad, do something different to change your mood. You could message a friend or take a walk to start thinking happier thoughts.
• Stop letting negative thoughts keep you from doing things you enjoy, like dancing, because you're scared of what others will think.
• Start new hobbies. This can make you feel better and form new habits, according to Study Finds. Try talking more with people you work with or join a fitness class or movie club.
• If fear is making it hard for you to try new things, talk to your doctor for help.

"Feeling lonely is different for everyone," Mutanda said. She noted that loneliness can make people lose confidence and feel ashamed to talk about their feelings, leading to silent suffering and harming their mental health.