Vivek Murthy
"Loneliness is a universal struggle," said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, which poses significant risks to our mental and physical health. This summer, he joined Jennifer Ashton, Chief Medical Correspondent at ABC News and Founder of Ajenda, for a compelling closing conversation about the impact social isolation is having across generations and the simple actions each of us can take to strengthen the bonds we keep. "This lies at the heart of what we have to do if we want to build a healthier society, a healthier set of individuals, and, quite frankly, if we also want to deal with division and polarization." Check out his tips!
Dedicate 15 minutes each day to reach out to someone you care about.
“It is the love that we demonstrate through our relationships with one another that will truly give us the power to heal," stresses Murthy. "We have built this cultural narrative over the years that success is about being independent and being independent is about not needing anyone. And that is something we fundamentally have to change." Watch the Surgeon General reflect on the pact he has with two close friends to consistently check in with one another:
When you are spending time with others, be fully present.
“Put aside all of the other distractions and multi-tasking that occupy so much of our lives,” recommends Murthy. “Five minutes of being fully present with someone in conversation is more powerful than 30 minutes of distracted conversation. Your attention has the power to stretch time.” Watch to learn more:
Prioritize daily acts of service
“Finding small ways to help each other is the glue that brings all of us together,” says Murthy. “Service is a very powerful antidote to loneliness, because it not only helps us connect – whether it's in the act of helping one person or helping a community – but it reminds us that we have value to bring to the world.” Watch the Surgeon General explain why service is a solution to loneliness across generations:
