Loneliness Can Impact Health & Well-being
Research at Penn State explored the impact of loneliness on daily health, building on the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 statement highlighting loneliness as a significant public health issue. The study, involving 1,538 participants ages 35 to 65, reveals that even fleeting feelings of loneliness can lead to physical health issues, including fatigue, headaches, and nausea. Unlike previous research mostly targeting adolescents and older adults, this study underscores the significance of daily fluctuations in loneliness levels.
Researchers conducted telephone interviews over eight days, assessing participants’ stress, mood, and physical symptoms. They found that lower reported levels of loneliness corresponded to fewer and less severe health symptoms on those days. Stability in loneliness over time also correlated with better physical health outcomes.
Source
psycnet.apa/fulltext/2024-72018-001.html
A recipe to try this week: Kale Pesto
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