“Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.” – Robert Waldinger, professor at Harvard University, psychiatrist
I don’t know a single person who doesn’t know what it means to feel lonely. Even for a second. And it doesn’t mean that you should live excluded from the civilization in a cave. Not at all.
You have…
- …attended a party or a conference and have felt that you don’t belong there in spite of all the people surrounding you?
- …uploaded a photo to social media hoping for likes and comments making you feel better [but they don’t]?
- …eaten a dinner or watched a sunset alone without enjoying it because there was no one to share it with?
- …looked jealously at people who seemingly so easily can break the ice with new people?
- …fallen asleep feeling that nobody cares about you?
“Loneliness equals smoking 15 cigarettes per day,” the scientists say. Being lonely shortens your lifetime. Loneliness is one of the major contributors to depression. Feeling lonely is one of our biggest subconscious fears. Fear of feeling lonely is one of the greatest reasons why people don’t travel alone.
Solution?
“The key to healthy aging is relationships, relationships, relationships.” – George Vaillant, professor at Harvard University, psychiatrist.
Close relationships. New acquaintances. Friends. Nature. Being active. Places you have never been to. People you have never met.
“It’s easy to get isolated, to get caught up in work and not remembering, ‘Oh, I haven’t seen these friends in a long time,” says Waldinger. Feels familiar?
Why is visiting Iran one of the best solutions to avoid loneliness and depression?
Iran offers so many attention catching surprises which make you engaged in a moment and don’t leave space for negative thoughts.
“It doesn’t matter where are you going or what you are doing – especially if you are sure you are alone – someone always puts his head out of the window or bushes and yells “chai, CHAI!!!!”. You better accept it. It’s wonderful. Iranians are wonderful.” – as I wrote about Iranians HERE.
Iranians are one of the most hospitable people I have ever met.
Faith in the goodness of the humanity is restored. So what’s next?
Let’s discover the nature there! Hiking in the mountains, climbing the sand dunes, swimming in the Persian Gulf, sports, fresh air – all this releases the neurotransmitters like endorfine and dopamine, which make us feel happy and content.
When I think the beach, then IRAN SAYS?
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When I think the mountains, then IRAN SAYS?
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When I wish to get lost in the diversity of the culture, then IRAN SAYS?
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When I wish to get a dopamine hit from the food, then IRAN SAYS?
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But how to travel in Iran? Practical info you can find HERE.
And if you would like to hear Waldinger’s speech about what actually makes our lives good, then you can do it HERE.
Madlen
