I’ve spent the last week with my in-laws in the UK and I absolutely love spending time with them. But I also know that not everyone is having that same experience. A lot of my thoughts have swirled around how loneliness can contribute to the sense of disconnection and division we’re seeing happening around the world and in so many of our communities.

The holidays, while so beautiful and magical for some, can be incredibly difficult for others. Studies have found that there is significant decline in mental health over the holiday season, especially for those who already struggle with their mental health.

Loneliness creates a feeling of isolation and that feeling of separation from others can make it so much more difficult to be open to different experiences and beliefs. Feeling separate leads to the creation of ‘other’.

A lack of meaningful, healthy relationships and social connections in our lives can lead us to look for connection or fill that space in other areas and ways which may not be as supportive or nourishing for our well-being.

Loneliness and the feeling of disconnection is a growing epidemic in our societies. And just on an individual level, it can increase risk of degraded mental health, elevated blood pressure, levels of cortisol, stress, and even the risk of early mortality. On a community and societal level, it creates division and echo chambers of ‘other’.

In Ayurveda, it is seen that disconnection is the root of all disease. So as we move through the darkest days of the year, how can we bring light to them? For ourselves and for our communities?

There are many ways, but here are a few suggestions for you to ponder over:

• Call a friend or family member, meet up for a drink or share a meal together. Have an actual conversation beyond a text message.
• Smile and talk to people, even strangers. We often don’t realize how impactful it a small chat or even just a smile can be. It can make another person’s day to receive that smile, and it also helps us feel better. Talk, listen and stay open.
• Help your friends/family/community. Share festive foods, help shovel snow or check-in with elderly neighbors.
• Create a group around an activity that can encourage connection and discussion.
• Share a hobby with others.
• Volunteer, share your skills to support others in your community

This purpose of this blog article isn’t to be a debbie-downer, instead it’s musings to hopefully inspire you—whether or not you might be feeling those affects of loneliness—to create more connection in your life.

In the up-coming week(s), how will you invite more connection into your life?