By Alexandria Sorensen
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, researchers at BYU were concerned about another epidemic — loneliness.
'If we don't change this trajectory, we will have other emerging health issues beyond this pandemic,' BYU psychology professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad said.
Researchers found that loneliness can leave side effects as dangerous as habits like smoking and other health problems such as obesity. This means loneliness can shorten a life span by about five years.
To fight this, researchers suggest that we work on strengthening our bonds. They say that now more than ever it is important to reach out to friends, families and co-workers.