SMILES & BREATHE was started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help combat loneliness caused by isolation. S&B has since evolved to nudge people to feel that they belong within themselves, within a community and within a society; to embrace moments of solitude; and to succeed in their quest for “un-loneliness.”
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is defined as the perceived, individual experience of social isolation. Loneliness does not necessarily mean being alone. It is the feeling of aloneness that can occur even in the presence of others. A person can feel lonely at a party, a concert, or with over a thousand likes on social media. There is a sense of detachment, alienation, and isolation: a sense of loss of connection to others and self. It is a result of the perception from one’s expected social connections to what one has. Increasing one’s sense of connection to self and others has been shown to allay this.
Humans are social animals. Before the 18th century, loneliness was used to refer to objects that were physically isolated e.g., the road was lonely. Humans were rarely physically alone. Loneliness is perceived isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic, an event that caused physical isolation among humans through quarantine, has led to a rise in loneliness in the world.
Chronic loneliness has been associated with increase in the risk of early death by 30%, and its health risks are comparable to obesity and the dangers of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It has been associated with cognitive decline and even dementia in older adults. In younger populations, it is associated with depression and anxiety, genetic mutations, inflammatory and immune disorders.
Loneliness has increased during the pandemic and we have compiled the resources listed here with hopes to combat this.
HOW TO USE SMILES & BREATHE?
First, there is no one right way. Explore and find YOUR WAY.
SMILES & Breathe is an acronym with ideas in various sections.
The I and L sections are for Interacting and learning; they have ideas and resources. Click on the hyperlinks for more information.
You do not need to take on all of the ideas at once.
When starting off, consider 1-3 changes and adjust as you go.
Data shows that on average it takes 66 days for a positive habit to become our second nature.
3 for 66: Pick 3 habits of varying degrees of challenge or variety and work on changing them for 66 days. This is what we feel may work best.
Consider picking one in self care (S) and one interact (I) for sure. Only do what you are comfortable with. Each of us is different.
Have fun with it, and create YOUR WAY. Understand that no one is perfect and you will have good and bad days.
Printables have the summarized versions.
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Kindly note that this should not supplant the need for medical/ mental health help. Kindly check with your doctor about the applicability and appropriateness of things listed on this website and/or handout for you. The content on this website is offered as guidance only, and is not meant, nor should it be construed as, a replacement for certified, professional expertise. Some of the activities may need caregiver help/ guidance. Please have your caregiver with you (if young) and permission from your caregiver (if older children).