The Health Costs of Loneliness

Loneliness isn't a mood-it's a physiological state.  When your brain senses disconnection, it interprets it as a threat, setting off a chain reaction:

• Higher inflammation
• Increased stress hormones
• Interrupted sleep
• Higher cardiovascular risk
• 40% higher risk of dementia.
• Increased medical costs for individuals and employers

This is why loneliness shows up as irritability, low energy, late night scrolling, cravings, or trouble focusing.  It's your brain and body signaling that you need people.  

What to remember: Connection isn't a luxury.  It's medicine.

Try this: Put one real interaction on your calendar this week-and treat it like a business meeting.  Don't cancel, no excuses. Follow through and gain some momentum.