Humans are social beings. We may no longer rely on the “tribe” in the same way our hunter gatherer ancestors did, but our need for social connection remains.
In fact, an absence of meaningful relationships has been shown to increase risk of illness and early death as much as other known risk factors such as smoking and obesity.
The effect social isolation has on both our mental and physical health has received greater attention thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. And rightfully so, as the whole world was essentially forced to shelter in place.
But feeling isolated from others is nothing new for shift workers; although this pandemic has brought on many new challenges, we’ve long been accustomed to periods of isolation.
Unfortunately the extra practice hasn’t given us a better grasp on how to cope with it. Shift workers are known to have trouble maintaining personal relationships and also have a significantly higher incidence of depression.
Obviously we can, and should, put more effort into fostering relationships in the time we do have. But what can we do the rest of the time, when interaction isn’t practical, or even possible?
Aside from night shift itself being a lonely place, our time off is often misaligned with that of family and friends.
“Loneliness has more to do with our perceptions than how much company we have. It’s just as possible to be painfully lonely surrounded by people as it is to be content with little social contact.”
With a lack of opportunities for social connection, we must compensate, and find a sense of fulfilment elsewhere.
One method of achieving this is with creative pursuits.
Olivia Laing explores this topic in The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone. The book is filled with examples of artists who led isolated lives yet, through their work, found the meaning they couldn’t find in relationships. And although this book focuses on visual artists, their methods are applicable to any creative pursuit.
“By transmuting their experience into something beautiful, isolated individuals throughout history have managed to substitute the sense of community they might have otherwise found in relationships with their creative outputs.”
What if you don’t view yourself as the artistic type? Consider getting creative about ways to increase your income. The idle time isolated from others is a perfect opportunity to work on an entrepreneurial pursuit.
Just as humans are social beings, we are also creative beings. We all have the capacity for creativity; you are no exception. If you’re struggling to think creatively, try turning to the work of others who have occupied that same state of loneliness. Use their work as inspiration in your own pursuits. Your well-being will thank you for it.
The Art of Being Alone | Farnham Street
Diet Dividends
Although the temptation of comfort foods is probably the biggest reason people make poor food choices, the cost of a more wholesome diet also challenges our best intentions.
But we should view this cost as an investment. Diet-related diseases lead to “suboptimal school and work performance, increased health costs and lower productivity and wages.” Oh, and they increase your risk of illness and death from covid-19 too.
In other words, it’s a win-win investment.
How Poor Diet Contributes to Coronavirus Risk | New York Times
Embrace the Power of the Nap
Whether you’re severely sleep deprived or just need a little boost; have ninety minutes to spare or just six… there’s a nap for that.
There’s a Nap For That | Psychology Today
Meal Timing
To prevent the poor health that often accompanies shift work, strategic control of our light exposure will bring the most benefits, but eating patterns are another key component. Timing meals with activity cycles and maintaining regular eating patterns can reduce the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Shift Workers at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome | JAOA
Random advice
• Never use a credit card for credit. The only kind of credit, or debt, that is acceptable is debt to acquire something whose exchange value is extremely likely to increase, like in a home. The exchange value of most things diminishes or vanishes the moment you purchase them. Don’t be in debt to losers.
• The purpose of a habit is to remove that action from self-negotiation. You no longer expend energy deciding whether to do it. You just do it. Good habits can range from telling the truth, to flossing.
68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice | Kevin Kelly
The Long Haul
In April, Gallup News asked American adults, “Which of the following do you think is the best long-term investment: bonds, real estate, savings accounts or CDs, stocks or mutual funds, or gold?” Almost 80% of the respondents answered incorrectly. Yikes!
What’s the best long-term investment? | Get Rich Slowly
Stay healthy-
Jason Glenn