Three Steps to Reconnect: The Loneliness Cure and Social Health

Loneliness has reached epidemic levels worldwide, adversely affecting mental, physical, and emotional health. In this compelling episode of DoubleHelix, host Mark Marrott dives deep into actionable strategies to combat loneliness, drawing from the latest research and expert insights on social prescribing, volunteering, and the transformative power of joy and awe.

The Loneliness Epidemic: A Public Health Crisis

Drawing from research by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, Mark explains that loneliness is not merely about being alone but is “the gap between the connections we have and the ones we need.” This social isolation ranks as a public health crisis with risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Loneliness negatively impacts health by increasing inflammation, worsening metabolic function, and even raising mortality risk. Studies indicate that individuals with strong social bonds reduce their risk of all-cause mortality by up to 50% (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

Step 1: Tap into Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a novel healthcare approach growing in Europe, where doctors “prescribe” community activities like gardening, walking clubs, or social groups to treat loneliness. This not only improves social connection but physically reduces inflammation and improves overall health.

Mark highlights Jules Hotz’s book The Connection Cure, emphasizing that healing from loneliness starts with belonging:“It’s not just joining activities, it’s finding where you truly belong.”

Step 2: Volunteer Strategically

Volunteering significantly reduces stress and chronic pain by fostering a sense of purpose and social engagement. However, Mark stresses the importance of volunteering strategically—choosing activities that resonate personally and make one feel important and effective.

A case study from the episode tells of a woman whose chronic back pain improved after volunteering at a children’s clinic, demonstrating the mind-body connection in healing.

Step 3: Reconnect with Joy or Awe

Finding moments of awe—whether through nature, childhood passions, or simple joys—shifts our focus away from internal ruminations and fosters social connection. According to UC Berkeley researcher Dacher Keltner, awe can quiet the brain’s “default mode network,” promoting kindness, empathy, and deeper bonds.

Mark reflects on the power of reconnecting with his love for the outdoors:“Camping by a fire, watching a sunset—these moments help me reconnect with what truly matters.”

Take Action Today

Mark encourages listeners to try these three steps and share their experiences in the community comments: tapping into social alternatives, volunteering in meaningful ways, and seeking joy and awe routinely. Websites such as socialprescribing.co offer tools for those interested in exploring social prescribing.

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DoubleHelix by Mark Marrott delves into the science of human connection, resilience, and well-being. If you found this episode on combating loneliness valuable, subscribe to the podcast for more evidence-based strategies and heartfelt stories that can transform your social health and life.

Watch the full episode here: Three Steps to Reconnect - The Loneliness Cure

References

• Murthy, V. H. (2023). Report on Social Connections and Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B., Layton, J.B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine.

• Hotz, J. (2023). The Connection Cure: A Prescriptive Movement for Belonging. Amazon Books.

• Keltner, D. (2016). The Science of Awe. UC Berkeley Research.