Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, considers this to be a potent remedy against loneliness.

For over a year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been raising awareness about the growing issue of loneliness.

Murthy's 2023 report, "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," highlights the link between loneliness and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Notably, young people are experiencing particularly high levels of loneliness.

He wrote that, given the significant impact of loneliness and isolation, we have a responsibility to prioritize social connection in the same way we have addressed tobacco use, obesity, and addiction.

On The Oprah Podcast, Murthy stated that many individuals are making mistakes.

"Oprah was told by him that the solution to the emptiness many of us feel is to focus more on ourselves, with the goal of acquiring and achieving more."

According to Murthy, the reduction of feelings of loneliness is not dependent on our own actions, but rather on three external factors.

• Relationships
• Service
• Community

"He told Oprah that focusing on connecting to something greater than ourselves leads to joy. Service is a powerful antidote to loneliness because of this connection."

'We've moved from having confidants to contacts'

The 2021 report from The Cigna Group revealed that 79% of adults aged 18 to 24 experienced loneliness, while only 41% of those aged 66 and older reported the same.

One explanation for this disparity is social media use, Murthy says.

Murthy stated that the quantity of connections in our life does not determine whether we are lonely or not, but rather the quality of those connections.

While apps such as Instagram and TikTok have enabled young adults to connect with a larger number of individuals compared to previous generations, these connections may not necessarily be profound.

""From confidants to contacts, from friends to followers, there has been a shift in the quality of relationships, and it's true that certain things can be said online that would never be said in person," Murthy stated."

'Building community is one of the most important things we can do'

Murthy recommends engaging in deeper conversations to combat loneliness, even if it means spending less time with others, you'll feel more understood.

Helping your friends can alleviate feelings of isolation. This could involve dropping off dinner or assisting with their children's bedtime when they appear overwhelmed.

If you possess strong writing skills, consider volunteering at a career fair to help others improve their resumes.

Oprah was told by him that one of the most crucial things for our health and wellbeing is to build community.

Connecting with others and using your talents to solve bigger problems positively impacts your mental and physical health.

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