A good network makes you healthier and happier: 6 tips to feel less lonely

Social network advice was designed by the Scientific Advisory Committee (WAC) of the action program One against loneliness, an initiative by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). The idea behind it is that there are guidelines for living a healthy life, but the importance of social networking is often overlooked. There is an urgent need to pay attention to this, according to the WAC.

Old and young are lonely

Research (Health Monitor, 2022) shows that almost half of adults in the Netherlands feel lonely. One in seven people over eighteen even feel very lonely. It’s not just about the old people; Among young people between sixteen and 25, one in four feel very lonely.

Various studies have shown that loneliness has a negative impact on physical and mental health, scientists write. According to studies, loneliness contributes to the development of conditions and diseases such as depression, anxiety, addiction (alcohol), sleep problems and high blood pressure. Social isolation is an important predictor of poorer health and shorter life; as important as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.

Small steps can make a difference

Although simple advice is still possible when it comes to smoking – that is: don’t do it – according to the WAC it is more difficult to put together guidelines for a good social network. There is too little relevant research to prove that advice such as ‘Make sure you have at least three to five good friends’ or ‘spend at least an hour a day on social interaction’ is sufficient.

What constitutes a good network is also different for everyone. However, there are several pieces of advice that can be given to achieve healthy social behaviour. A small step can make a difference, so here are six tips.

• Ask yourself: which people are important to me and why? Give these people enough time and attention. Have you lost touch with someone? Call, text or email that person again if you have a good feeling about that person.
• Get out and go to places where you can meet people. If you’re open to it, you might meet someone you click with.
• Register for fun activities nearby. Take a job with someone from the neighborhood, join the walking or sports club or ask an acquaintance to the cinema. In any case, choose something that you really like; then it will be easier to communicate.
• If you have time: choose to volunteer. This means that you do something for a good cause/someone else and that you communicate with people who, just like you, want to contribute to society. Again, look carefully at what suits you. You can find volunteer work through websites such as NL before each other, Home cooking in NL cares.
• Dare to share what worries you in communication with others. People also like to help or listen to you, especially if they are close to you.
• Are you looking for a listening ear or would you like to share your feelings of loneliness and make new connections? Then contact a volunteer from the Listening line. Or ask your GP, community team or psychologist to think with you.

With the campaign One Against Loneliness, the government wants to discuss and reduce loneliness in the Netherlands. The campaign is part of the Aon action program against loneliness, an initiative by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Anyone can experience loneliness. With themselves or with someone else. And everyone can help do something about it. For more information, actions and tips against loneliness, look up eentegeneenzaamheid.nl.