Healthy body, healthy soul – we often use this well-known saying, but less often we reverse the order of the words: healthy soul, healthy body. Yet our psychological and mental well-being is closely linked to our physical well-being, as the source of many illnesses is psychological. In the long term, loneliness can cause not only emotional melancholy but also unpleasant physical symptoms.
More stress, more health problems
Shorter days in winter, less light, long, dark evenings and damp, foggy mornings can increase the sense of loneliness in those who cannot share their problems and joys with a partner, family or friends, and therefore can become more introverted and anxious. Many people choose various substitutes, such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, to solve these problems, further increasing the risk that their mental problems may soon turn into physical illnesses. Research shows that loneliness not only increases the risk of developing depression or dementia, but also the risk of suicide. It has also been confirmed that people living alone are under the same level of stress, so they are likely to have higher blood pressure and circulatory failure over time. People who are lonely sleep less well due to overwhelming problems and prolonged stress, and are unable to rest and recover properly, which can eventually lead to further illness.
Protein level and loneliness
Other studies have also shown that lonely adults are less fit than those surrounded by a partner or company. They are on a higher fat diet and are more likely to neglect their health. Many of them have higher protein levels linked to inflammation from higher stress levels, which are associated with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.
Let’s get out
We can improve these ourselves. First, we have to recognize that we are lonely and decide to change that. Sometimes all we need to do is look around us and find a community service or volunteering opportunity that will take us away from the monotony of our homes. It is becoming more and more common to see even elderly ladies and gentlemen forming hiking groups, walking at a pace suited to their physical ability, not only to keep their muscles fit but also to keep their lungs and blood circulation working at a higher speed.
Before you start exercising, it’s a good idea to assess your physical condition.
HR-Pharma, a laboratory service provider based in Szeged, offers a number of packages that provide information about your cardiovascular system, your exposure to stress or your fitness level.