There are a lot of advantages of being el solo Lobo (the lone wolf). I can’t deny. You can easily push your agenda forward by focusing solely on it. You get a lot of free time to do the things you want to do. And you don’t have to worry about someone incessantly buzzing your phone because they need your help. (Ugh, can be so annoying!)

The Science Behind Loneliness

Hmmm….so that’s one way to look at it. However, a recent study on social isolation found that it greatly increases the risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, some scientists have deduced that social isolation is just as harmful to your health as being a long-term cigarette smoker! And it increases the chances of someone having a premature death by up to 6%.

So if the stakes are so high for someone being lonely, then why do a majority of people continuously embrace loneliness? Well, the problem is acceptance. Many people don’t want to admit that they are lonely; even if the proof is in the pudding.

First of all, you’ve got to analyze your life to truly admit that you are lonely and not alone. And I know it’s not easy; because no one wants to admit to themselves that they don’t have someone in their lives. You don’t want to feel like a loser, so you would rather live in self-denial. However, it’s vital that you accept your current situation.

Do you regularly talk to your friends? Do you invest time for people that you care about? Do all your interactions occur only on social media or in person? If you get jitters answering these questions, then the writing is on the wall; you are lonely…

Make the transformation today…

Now that you’ve discovered that you’re missing the warmth of social interactions in your life, it’s time to make a U-turn. You can start small; maybe calling some of your buddies up from high school or in college? And if you’re in search of new friends, you can make an effort to go out there and look for them. Start by enrolling for gym classes, perhaps get into a sports league, or even go to religious gatherings to meet new people!

 Whatever steps you take, ensure that it becomes a strict part of the schedule. And don’t be afraid to face some rejections here or there. Not everyone’s going to be friendly. But once you find those special buddies in your life, it will definitely be worth it!