Loneliness Can Sabotage Your Health, but It's Never Too Late to Make New Connections

"First, look at the people that are in your life — maybe work friends or fellow parents who are in the same phase of life," said Dr. Gilliland. "Then try to get together."

If it helps, try writing down a list of people you interact with most. Then, it's time to get creative and come up with some fun plans. Invite a coworker you like talking with to the cinema or for drinks, or ask your neighbour if they want to join you for a walk.

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Group exercise classes can foster incredible communities of positive, active friends who are open to new relationships. Whether it's yoga, a spin class, or the aqua aerobics class at your local leisure centre, chances are you'll see the same faces if you go often. You'll also reap the health benefits of consistent physical activity, which can combat negative moods and even help with depression. "It releases endorphins," Dr. Patel said.

Are you more of a sports person? Joining a city intramural sports team could be that thing you need to create new connections.

"I genuinely believe that creating a regular routine will help combat loneliness," said Dr. Patel. "It makes your day feel more full with activities, so you aren't anxious about having so much alone time without anything to do."

Create a plan for your day; make time for meditation, skincare, a favourite coffee place, a workout. Stick to your routine and stay busy — you never know who you'll meet in the process. Even becoming a regular at your coffee shop could lead to new and unexpected connections.

Dr. Patel suggests painting and cooking classes, groups rooted in common interests and hobbies, or even improv to get out of your comfort zone if you're feeling bold and spontaneous. The nuances don't matter so much as the doing. Try a few, but regardless — just get out there!

Feelings of isolation don't just come from your social life. With the boom of the gig economy and the shift within the Millennial demographic toward independent work, that feeling of isolation can compound without the camaraderie of a team and coworkers.

"The feeling of isolation does not take much time to start showing up," said Fernanda Paronetto, who decided to create her own business after working in a corporate environment for more than 12 years. Working from home — alone — was a huge shift that impacted every aspect of her life, including her physical health and gym time.

"I first started working out of coffee shops, but that also got quite hard, so I finally decided to move into a WeWork," she told POPSUGAR. Instead of opting for a private office in her coworking space, she chose a "Hot Desk," which is an open, community-centric working area.

Through this, "I created a great new group of friends that I actually have a relationship outside of work," she said — and gained a network of colleagues to support her business (and vice versa). "The world of freelancers is growing everywhere. Having a community that joins them is priceless."

Volunteering is one of the most wonderful ways to enjoy human connection.

"Volunteering can help people feel like a true part of their community," said Dr. Patel. "Giving back can give you a sense of purpose, boost self-esteem, and make you feel useful. You can also meet other fellow volunteers and strike up a friendship!"

Dr. Gilliland agrees. "Offering to volunteer is a wonderful way to meet other people and be engaged in activities that are meaningful and enjoyable." Consider local food banks and drives, homeless shelters, women's shelters, children's hospitals, recovery and treatment centres, and animal shelters and adoption sites.