Is loneliness an epidemic?

Statistics indicate loneliness is a global health challenge. Globally, 33% of adults are affected by loneliness. Chronic loneliness is associated with risk of heart disease, dementia, and premature mortality. One study equates loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

But we don’t need statistics to tell us we feel lonely.

We know what it feels like: not to share our day with someone, to manage life’s problems all on our own, to be missing the person who deeply understands us. It can be acutely painful.

Loneliness can strike in all different life situations. We can be: married and lonely, grieving and lonely, single parenting and lonely, addicted and lonely, etc.

Meanwhile…

In our modern world, many people’s sense of security is shaken. Life feels topsy-turvy: the rapid pace of change, multiple distractions vying for attention, uncertainty about the future. Sometimes it feels like stress, fear and sadness are everywhere.

How can Gratitude Buddies help?

Gratitude Buddies gives us tools to find our footing.

Gratitude Buddies builds healthy connection.

Gratitude Buddies is kind to our brain.

Here’s a little more:

• Gratitude Buddies is a shared experience in appreciating life more deeply.

• It wires our brains toward noticing the good we already have, thereby both creating even more of it and improving mental and physical health.

• In tough times, Gratitude Buddies offers support and guidance, making gratitude accessible, even when we may not “feel” like praciting.

• It creates or deepens connection with another human - our Buddy. Moreover, Gratitude Buddies helps us appreciate everyone around us, opening the door to happier and healthier relationships in general.

• Finally, Gratitude Buddies reconnects us with “ordinary magic” - nourishing our spirits and souls, reminding us that even the darkest days offer a crack of light.

With Gratitude Buddies, we remember:

Even in the toughest times, friendships can be made.

Even in the toughest times, hope can be cultivated.

Even in the toughest times, beauty still exists.