Last weekend, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, authored an urgent call to action for the health and well-being of Americans. His plea: We must take vital steps to fight the loneliness epidemic. In his New York Times guest opinion , Dr. Murthy discusses the dangers of loneliness, while laying out a national framework to combat this daunting issue. According to Dr. Murthy, “The increased risk of premature death associated with social disconnection is comparable to smoking daily— and may be even greater than the risk associated with obesity.”  Loneliness has a negative impact on both a person’s mental and physical health. From an increased risk of anxiety and depression to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and dementia, the effects of social disconnect on the population are visible. Additionally, certain demographics are more likely to be affected by social isolation than others, such as adults over the age of 45, minority groups, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community, according to the CDC . To confront this crisis, Dr. Murthy outlines a multistep process to counter loneliness:

1. Strengthen Social Infrastructure 
2. Decrease Screentime and be More Present
3. Take Measures to Connect with Others in Society

Loneliness and the Workplace 
The loneliness epidemic is not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic heightened social isolation and anxiety for many. While some workers thrive while working remotely, citing more time for exercising and bonding with family, others report being less active and feeling isolated and depressed . For those that do not make specific time for exercise, commuting to work, taking the stairs at the office, and walking to lunch and meetings boosts their steps and overall activity for the day. Referred to as Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, or NEAT, this portion of daily energy expenditures resulting from spontaneous physical activity that is not specially the result of voluntary exercise, can help prevent disease and promote well-being. Levels of NEAT add up over days and weeks and can vary to 2000 kilocalories per day, contributing meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of workers. A pillar of Lifestyle Medicine, movement reduces our risk of chronic diseases, anxiety, and depression, and improves longevity. 

Connections Large and Small
While fostering meaningful connections with family and close friends is one tool for combating loneliness, research suggests that smaller connections, or “weak ties” are just as vital. Weak ties, such as the friendly chats you have with strangers in public or general acquaintances, like exchanging pleasantries at the office, have a steep impact on your well-being. According to a study conducted by Gillian Sandstrom of the University of British Columbia, weak tie relationships help decrease depressed moods, increase overall happiness, and create a greater sense of belonging among individuals. They also tend to keep us sharp, as these exposures have been found to bring introductions to new ideas and people that are important to our sense of self, growth, and work. 

Opportunities to Strengthen Connections and Increase Movement 
The workplace, whether in person or virtual, offers opportunities to support workers via movement and social connections. Be mindful of actions to increase non-voluntary exercise while at work, whether you are in person or remote. Walking meetings or fitness challenges can make a difference for employees mental and physical health, which in turn reduces health care spending. Recognize the value in small talk and take a few minutes to engage with coworkers and express interest in their well-being. A study conducted by Psychological Science that explores the way that empathy impacts well-being and aids in fostering relationships found that people who experienced empathy for the positive emotions of others were subject to higher levels of well-being. “Fruedenfreude,” or the ability to find pleasure in another person’s success—can function as a sort of second hand positivity. This is applicable within weak-tie connections just as it is in close relationships. The way we view connection and actively interact with others directly impacts their and our state of health. 

BHC meetings offer a great opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones, we look forward to seeing you soon. 

Warm regards,

Louise Y. Probst

BHC Executive Director