​One is the Loneliest Number | Prairie Homestead Best in Senior Living in Wichita

Life's circumstances make almost everyone alone at one time or another, but being lonely is much different from being alone. Even if we enjoy time to ourselves, pursuing a quiet hobby like fly-fishing or reading, being isolated from others too much of the time can be damaging to our mental and physical health.
 
Emotional pain of any kind, including loneliness, can affect our body's health, sometimes contributing to chronic inflammation. It can keep us awake at night and increase our risk of dementia. Feeling cut off from others can actually make us sick! 
 
We're not powerless, however. Depending on our circumstances, we can:

• Find a class or club to join, when safety rules allow.

 

• Volunteer! Studies show that volunteering can improve both physical and cognitive health.

 

• Adopt a pet. Nothing attracts people more quickly than a cute animal being walked. And when there aren't people around, pets provide companionship. 

 

• Talk to strangers. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, service providers, bus driver, others standing in lines.

 

• See a therapist. Your health care provider will be able to make recommendations about the right person for you.

 
Going to new groups or talking to strangers may be uncomfortable at first. Every new thing takes some practice. But the reward for the initial discomfort could be some good friends and better health!
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264