An Important Factor That Protects Against Loneliness
"Loneliness is associated with negative outcomes, such as low self-esteem, fear of missing out, emotion regulation difficulties, pain sensitivity, and substance abuse.
What are some protective factors for loneliness? A recent study by Sutin et al.—published in the July issue of Journal of Affective Disorders—suggests people who have a sense of purpose in life are less lonely.
A sense of purpose in life refers to the feeling that one’s life is valuable and has a direction and goal.
Why do people who have a sense of purpose experience less loneliness?
This is important for two reasons. One, many types of meaningful engagement are social by nature (e.g., caregiving, teaching, volunteering) and may increase social integration.
Two, engagement even in solitary activities may reduce the need for social connection, particularly when these activities are enjoyable and satisfying.
In addition, people with a greater sense of purpose often have better physical and mental health, which may facilitate socializing and ameliorate loneliness.
Takeaway
But what if one’s life lacks purpose and meaning? How do you find your purpose in life?
There are many sources of meaning in life—from creative pursuits that express who you are, to valued social experiences such as friendship and love.
According to a recent study, self-reflection—the in-depth examination of one’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, stemming from genuine curiosity—may prevent loss of meaning and purpose, perhaps by diverting attention away from social rejection or failure and toward internal social sources of meaning.
Asking relevant questions may also help you discover (or rediscover) your purpose in life. Here are some examples:
- If your life had a purpose before, what was it?
- What matters the most to you? Why?
- What are your most vivid memories?
- Who are your biggest influences?
- Can you describe the major challenges you have faced in life?
- Can you give examples of how you coped successfully with these challenges?
- What has been the biggest role of your life?
- What are you most proud of?
- How do you want to be remembered?"
Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
Do you feel lonely often? What is your sense of purpose in this life?
*I do feel quite lonely at times but I find that studying kind of helps as a distraction. My purpose in life is to be a good doctor who listens to their patients and always does what's best for them.*
#Loneliness #Life #Purpose
@comfortableNight4463 Thanks for sharing this, with the 7cups community.
Thanks for sharing your time with us.
I loved reading this.
It was very educational.
@Happy900 You're welcome! I hope you have the best day!
@comfortableNight4463
Maybe do something that interests you
In fact, most people's sense of loneliness is not very strong. They only break out in some small things, such as when you wake up and see a room with only you, for example, let you go to the movies by yourself, a When people go to the supermarket. So at this time, as long as you find something to do for yourself, the loneliness can often be eliminated. For example, make yourself a delicious meal, take a bath and put on a mask, or read a book and tidy up the room. As long as you don't cling to loneliness all the time, it often goes away when you're busy.
@SYC1223 This is so true. Being alone only stings if you aren't very busy.
@comfortableNight4463
Working in a hospital I interact with so many people per day but I feel as if I still feel a twinge of loneliness coming home. I have so many surface interactions here and there but I feel like in terms of real deep conversations and friends I can rely on there's not too many around.
@sunnyWriting4806 I understand what you mean. It's hard to get a hold of friends who aren't too busy to hang out and schedules can clash. There aren't enough hours in the day.
@comfortableNight4463
There really isn't! It's really about finding those select few you decide to invest most of your time with!
This makes so much sense and really puts a lot of things into perspective, thank you for sharing!
@enjoyiableElementary9396 You're welcome. I'm glad it helped.