Loneliness as a Chronic Stress State and its Impact on Health

Loneliness is more than just a feeling; it can actually impact our physical health. Prolonged periods of loneliness lead to chronic stress, inflammation, and various illnesses. Former US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, discovered that loneliness is often at the root of many health issues. When he asked people if loneliness was a problem in their lives, he found that everyone had a story to share. The impact of loneliness on our lifespan is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So, it's better to quit smoking and have friends than to smoke and be lonely!