DEV Community

Cover image for The Importance of Social Connections: What to Do When You Feel Lonely (Bite-size Article)
koshirok096
koshirok096

Posted on

The Importance of Social Connections: What to Do When You Feel Lonely (Bite-size Article)

Introduction: What Is Loneliness?

Loneliness is something everyone experiences, but if it persists, it can lead to increased stress hormones and weakened immune function, as shown in various studies.

Anyone can feel lonely, regardless of whether they have a family or are single, or how many friends they have. Loneliness is not inherently bad, but prolonged loneliness can have adverse effects on mental and physical health.

Image description

Frida Kahlo's Story: Loneliness and Creativity

The renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo faced a great deal of loneliness throughout her life.

She contracted polio at the age of six and was later involved in a bus accident at the age of eighteen, which left her with severe physical disabilities. The accident forced her to endure long periods of recovery, which increased her feelings of isolation.

In her solitude, Kahlo transformed her suffering into creative endeavors and used self-expression to maintain a connection with society. Her works vividly reflect her physical pain and emotional struggles.

The depth of emotion and pain depicted in her paintings represents the empathy she found in her loneliness. Her art became a way for many people to share their suffering and created a sense of connection.

Image description

What to Do When You Feel Lonely

If you often feel lonely in your daily life, try checking these three points:

1.Value Small Connections

When you feel lonely, even brief conversations with friends or family can have a significant impact. It is said that Frida also wrote letters and valued her interactions with a small group of close friends. Engaging in simple conversations or greetings with people around you, even if only briefly, can be very helpful.

2.Join Empathetic Communities

Connect with people who share your interests and values, whether online or offline. Frida continued to connect with those who understood her pain through her network of fellow artists.

3.Engage in Creative Activities

If you have an interest in creative activities, why not try engaging in something artistic? Even if you aren't directly communicating with others, creative pursuits can provide an indirect sense of connection.

Like Frida Kahlo painted, using lonely times for creative activities can help you express yourself and form connections. Find a way to express your feelings—whether by painting, writing, or making music.

Image description

Conclusion

Recently, I had the opportunity to learn about Frida Kahlo's life, which inspired this article. As mentioned at the beginning, loneliness is an unavoidable emotion that everyone experiences at various times. Through loneliness, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and develop the desire to connect with others. Let us use our lonely times as opportunities for self-expression and seek out ways to connect with others, just as Frida Kahlo did.

Thank you for reading!

Top comments (0)