Loneliness is a major problem, something moms are — unfortunately — all too familiar with. And while there’s always a good time to spread kindness to others, there’s a particularly good day for it every summer. Cheer Up The Lonely Day is celebrated each year on July 11, and it’s an opportunity to spread kindness and love to those who might need it. Whether it’s an elderly neighbor, someone experiencing homelessness, a friend or relative, or even just the cashier at your local Giant, take a few moments to do a little something extra.
Why is something like this so important? Well, loneliness is a serious problem, especially today. Social disconnection is a major issue in our culture, with everyone keeping to themselves and, conversely, feeling like they have to shoulder all of life’s burdens alone. As Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General, explained, loneliness can cause major issues:
Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.
That’s why Cheer Up The Lonely Day is so important. It’s a reminder to be connected, both to the people we know and the people around us, in our community. It’s believed that Francis Pesek is the founder, and wanted to show kindness to people who were lonely — particularly elderly people in nursing homes, who are often forgotten and ignored by society.
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Not only is this an opportunity to bring joy to people who might need it, but it also can be a jumping-off point for you, and your family, to spread kindness to others, which is a great habit to get kids in. Together, we can make a happier, more connected world… one act of kindness at a time!
Need some ideas? Here are some easy ways to celebrate Cheer Up The Lonely Day!
- Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Ignore the worry that it’ll be awkward and take the time to reconnect.
- FaceTime a relative with your kids.
- Make cookies and bring them to a neighbor.
- Buy a few $5 Target or Starbucks gift cards and give them to a mom you see out and about who seems to be struggling.
- Have your kids pick some flowers and give the bouquet to someone.
- Write a note to someone you care about and mail it out as a surprise.
- Tell someone you love them.
- Write letters to people who might be lonely — elderly people in a local nursing home, deployed military, etc.
- Volunteer at a local homeless shelter.
- Give drinks and snacks to your mail carrier, delivery driver, or garbage man.
- Sit down with your kids and have everyone write a list about what they love about each other. Trade notes.
- Go to the playground and give your kids the goal of making one new friend while they’re there.
Will you be celebrating Cheer Up The Lonely Day?
