Several studies conducted by Harvard have found striking findings related to loneliness among both teens and young adults in the United States. From Harvard’s Caring Common Report entitled “On Edge” :
“While the emotional struggles of teens have been in the national spotlight since the pandemic—and this attention has been vital—young adults report roughly twice the rates of anxiety and depression as teens. Far too many young adults report that they feel on edge, lonely, unmoored, directionless and that they worry about financial security.”
While this topic is nuanced and depends on numerous cultural and socioeconomic factors, one thing is shared: the need for connectedness. At Green Ivy Educational Consulting, we have compiled a list of strategies young adults and teens can use to feel more connected and work towards building a more meaningful community.
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Eat Together
It’s simple: communities who eat together, stay together. Among other benefits, eating in groups has been scientifically proven to strengthen relationships, improve individual mood, and boost academic performance.
We realize that every household is different, and finding shared free time can be deceptively difficult in this stay-at-home, work-from-home period. However, by taking meals together (once a day is better than none!) we can keep loneliness, fear, and boredom at bay.
For those living by themselves, having a coffee or tea break or snack via FaceTime can provide a feeling of connection. Having a routine of meeting with one friend or family member a day can provide stability and consistency. Even better, plan one social event a week to look forward to on your calendar, even as small as going to dinner, or on a walk.
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Revive Old Connections
Across the world, so many people are shouldering the weight of solitude, especially post-pandemic. A quick text message — hey!! You crossed my mind today. Thinking of you!— can go a long way toward fostering community and resisting mass loneliness. This type of message also communicates care without necessitating a response and opens the door to a deeper connection.
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Get Creative
Being social doesn’t require flying cross-country to see your extended family, but in an age of digital connectedness, your phone is certainly a resource! From phone calls to Netflix viewing parties, there are numerous ways to spend time together. Some best ideas we have heard in our Green Ivy offices have been knitting groups, book clubs, and Oscar’s viewing parties. These hang-outs don’t need to be elaborate to be effective.
Create activities that allow for fun and shared experiences without the pressure to constantly entertain each other. A hobby, like learning a new language together or taking an online fitness class as a group, can provide a natural and meaningful way to bond.
4. Volunteer Together
Sometimes, one of the best ways to combat loneliness is by focusing on the needs of others. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, foster new friendships, and contribute to a greater sense of belonging in a community. By dedicating time to help those in need, whether it’s at a food bank, or an animal shelter, or by offering support to vulnerable members of your community, you can connect with like-minded individuals and make a tangible impact.
Volunteering also provides a shared experience that helps strengthen bonds. And, the act of helping others can foster positive emotions, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Even better, when you volunteer as a group, you share the experience and the joy of working toward a common cause.
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Explore Nature
Nature is an incredible tool for both mental and physical well-being, and it can also be a social connector. Taking walks in the park, hiking on local trails, or even just sitting in a garden can foster calm and bring people together. Studies have shown that time spent outdoors can improve mood, reduce stress, and promote better mental health overall.
For those feeling isolated, organizing regular outdoor activities—such as a weekly group walk, bike ride, or picnic—can create a much-needed routine for connection. Even solo hikes or walks can provide a sense of personal space and reflection, and when shared with others, they help strengthen bonds without the need for constant conversation. Nature offers a unique, low-pressure environment where people can enjoy one another’s company without the constraints of daily life.
By adopting these strategies, we can collectively fight the loneliness epidemic and work toward creating a society where connection, support, and community thrive. While the road ahead may feel uncertain, each step toward connection, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
For more resources, contact us!