At the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark, they study (as you might have guessed), happiness. In a study published by the Happiness Research Institute for the United Nations, the World Happiness Report (which you can read here https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications) proved, using scientific methods, that relationships are the biggest impact factor for how happy we feel. Even in far poorer countries, relationships come second to wealth.
Due to the current lock-down situation however, in order to be safe and keep others safe, we are required to social distance, to keep ourselves away from others. This is a serious issue for mental health. Prior to the lock down, social isolation was already a big concern within the UK, with loneliness and social isolation proven to have a detrimental effect on not only physical but also mental health (Courtin and Knapp, 2015, Mushtag et al, 2014). During our current situation it is very likely that loneliness and social isolation have increased and that, for some, the biggest impact factor for our happiness has either reduced or been taken away.
1) ‘Proactive anti-loneliness’
In a study conducted by Pettigrew and Roberts (2007), they found that interventions that ameliorated loneliness among older adults were:
· Using friends and family as an emotional resource.
· Engaging in eating and drinking rituals as a means of maintaining social contacts.
· Spending time constructively doing reading and gardening.
Taking an approach of ‘proactive anti-loneliness’ by engaging in these activities (albeit in an adapted way) could really help how we experience this lock-down and how happy we feel as a result. Modern technology like Skype and Zoom allow us to connect socially without having to be physically present. Using these resources to maybe have virtual dinner together with friends, or to create a pub quiz with family members living in different homes means that social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation.
But what about those that don’t have an existing social group to lean on? Well, the third suggestion in the study by Pettigrew and Roberts (2007) is a solitary activity that is proven to reduce loneliness and doesn’t require another participant.
Secondly, though we are social distancing, this is also a time when we can boost our happiness and help others with one activity.
2) Doing something for others
Doing things for others is proven to increase our happiness and increase our sense of community and social connection (Helliwell et al, 2014). However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have strong relationships with family or friends and often we find ourselves isolated, frequently due to circumstances beyond our control, lock-down or no lock-down.
This does not mean that we need to remain that way. During this crisis, and when it has finished, there is always a need for people to volunteer their time to help others. Not only is there benefit to those receiving this help, often hugely significant, but also there is a scientifically proven benefit to help reducing our own experiences of loneliness and isolation. Take some time and think about how you could help others and it might also be a bit of help to you too.
https://www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/volunteer