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Michelle Keenan empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.
Although in many ways the world is smaller than ever, and we’re ever-more-connected to tech, more and more people are feeling increasingly alone. Researchers are now referring to a loneliness epidemic, and it’s having a very real impact on our wellbeing. Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone – many of us love to spend time alone, and don’t feel lonely at all!
But on the flip side, you can be surrounded by people at work, at home, or out socially and still feel disconnected. Loneliness is about the quality of our relationships – whether we feel that we have people to share our ups and downs with, and that those people would actually care, or miss us, if we were gone.
This matters more than you might think. Ongoing loneliness has been linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and low mood, as well as impacts on physical health such as heart disease and weakened immunity. We humans are wired for connection, and it isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s a fundamental part of how we function and thrive.
Meaningful connection doesn’t always have to be complicated or time-consuming, but it does require some intentional effort. It can be created through small, consistent actions, like choosing to pick up the phone instead of sending a quick message, making time to meet a friend for a walk, or having a proper conversation rather than a passing exchange. It’s less about how many people you know and more about the depth of those relationships.
If you’re feeling lonely, you can take action. Joining a class, getting involved in your local
community, or even becoming a familiar face in regular places like a café or gym can help you feel more of a sense of belonging.
Reaching out and making a plan with an old friend, or starting a conversation with someone new, can feel uncomfortable, but it opens the door for others who may be feeling the same way. Connection is often built through a series of small steps, and you might have to get outside your comfort zone to take the first one, but you’ll be glad you did.
