"I Was Alone, But Not Lonely at All"...An Unexpected Way to Reduce Loneliness

Survey of 2,544 Visitors to a Norwegian Lake
Connection with Nature Helps Alleviate Loneliness

A recent study has found that spending time alone in nature can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

According to the New York Post on the 25th (local time), Norwegian researchers reported in the UK public health journal 'Health and Place' that being alone does not necessarily equate to being lonely.

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"You Can Experience Mental Relaxation in Nature"

The research team conducted a survey of 2,544 visitors to Mjosa, Norway’s largest lake. The study involved adults aged 18 and older, who were asked about the types of activities they engage in at the lake and how frequently they participate. The researchers also examined two types of loneliness: 'absence of close relationships' and 'the feeling of being disconnected from the larger social group.'

The results showed that people who frequently engaged in activities at the lake developed a stronger attachment to the location and to nature itself. This attachment was found to play a role in reducing the type of loneliness associated with feeling isolated from the community.

In particular, spending time alone proved more effective than group activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding with others. The research team analyzed that the main reasons for this effect were the sense of connectedness with nature and the emotional bond formed with a specific place.

The researchers explained that spending time alone provides the mental relaxation needed to focus on one's surroundings. However, they also cautioned that both too much and too little solitude can be detrimental.

One reason nature helps alleviate loneliness is that activities such as walking, hiking, or running can naturally foster social interaction. Still, this study found that spending time alone in nature was even more effective in reducing loneliness than participating in activities with others.

"Just Being in Contact with Nature Eases Loneliness"

The research team also noted that people experiencing loneliness do not necessarily need to visit a lakeshore. Previous studies have shown that simply walking in a forest or being exposed to natural elements can reduce loneliness by up to 28%, and it is especially beneficial for relieving the sense of isolation and stress among urban residents.

On the other hand, individuals who reported the highest levels of loneliness tended to have the weakest connection with nature and spent more time indoors, according to the researchers.

Loneliness is considered a social issue that threatens not only mental but also physical health. According to a public opinion poll conducted last year by Super Natural British Columbia, the official tourism board of British Columbia, Canada, Millennials & Gen Z spend 25% less time outdoors than Generation X. The main reasons cited were severe weather, lack of time, and discomfort about being alone.The outlet reported, "Even spending just 15 minutes outdoors can increase vitamin D exposure and benefit mental health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.