Isolation in the midst of a busy life can feel like standing in the eye of a storm—everything around you is swirling with activity, deadlines, meetings, and conversations, yet you feel strangely detached, almost invisible. While your calendar might be overflowing, there’s an underlying emptiness, a sense that despite being surrounded by people, there’s no one truly there with you. You may be engaged in back-to-back conversations, yet none feel deeply connected, leaving you with a lingering sense of disconnection. It’s the paradox of being needed, seen, and even admired, but not truly known. This type of loneliness can feel almost surreal, as if you’re living parallel lives—the public one that’s active, responsive, and outwardly successful, and the inner one where the ache of isolation quietly persists, unnoticed by those around you.
In a recent report, the U.S. Surgeon General named loneliness as a leading threat to our health, comparable to smoking 14 cigarettes a day. Studies also show that over 60% of leaders report feeling lonely, a statistic that should give us pause. Ironically, we’re more “connected” than ever before, yet many of us feel a nagging sense of isolation. Here are a few ways I’ve seen some people break away from loneliness and foster genuine connection.
1. Prioritize Depth Over Breadth in Connections
We’ve been conditioned to believe that having a large network is a key to success. Yet, for combating loneliness, quality trumps quantity. Instead of juggling countless acquaintances, invest in a few deep relationships. This could look like setting up monthly coffee dates with trusted friends, scheduling a weekend getaway with close colleagues, or even creating a small accountability group of like-minded women for honest conversations. Admittedly, I’m not good at talking about the weather and will always go deep (even when it’s not appropriate. I know I make things awkward.) But the bottom line is building community through depth rather than breadth shifts us away from superficial exchanges to meaningful relationships.
2. Engage in Community Activities Outside Your Industry
We often surround ourselves with people in similar career paths, which can lead to a sense of confinement. Stepping outside our industry and engaging in community groups can be surprisingly fulfilling. Whether it’s a local book club, volunteering, or taking a class in a totally new field, connecting with people who have different perspectives can create a refreshing sense of belonging. It’s counter to the usual “network within your niche” advice, but this diversity can bring a deeper richness to our social circles and, ultimately, reduce loneliness.
3. Seek Out Intergenerational Relationships
In our fast-paced work environments, it’s easy to stay within our own age groups. But intergenerational friendships can offer a unique form of connection and support. Older mentors can provide perspective, and younger friends can bring a sense of excitement and curiosity. I have a friend who says she’s always the oldest in the room because she loves being around a younger generation. She always enriches those conversations; as well as gaining from the younger generation’s perspective. Reaching out to women of different ages and life stages brings insight that bridges generational divides, enriches our community and offers guidance we might not find elsewhere.
4. Practice Vulnerability in Professional Settings
Many of us are conditioned to maintain a polished, “I’ve got it all together” image at work, but sharing our authentic self can actually deepen connections. Sharing a personal challenge, asking for advice, or even admitting our struggles with loneliness can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same. Vulnerability fosters trust, and trust builds community. In a world where professionalism is often equated with distance, practicing vulnerability is a radical act that can make us feel truly seen and supported.
5. Create Digital Boundaries to Foster Physical Connections
Our hyperconnectivity has blurred the line between work and personal life, leading to digital overload rather than true connection. Setting boundaries around our online time and carving out space for in-person interactions ushers in real connection. Schedule a weekly “phone-free” lunch with a friend, or start an in-person group meetup instead of a virtual one. Making time for face-to-face connections may seem inconvenient in a digital-first world, but it’s in these physical spaces that we feel most connected.
6. Celebrate Together, Even for Small Wins
Celebrating successes—no matter how big or small—is an often-overlooked way to create a sense of community. Gather friends or colleagues for lunch, host a low-key dinner, or schedule a virtual toast to celebrate the little victories. Celebrating doesn’t just have to be for big life events; it can be for personal achievements, professional milestones, or even a simple moment of gratitude. Building rituals around celebration brings people together, creating a shared space of joy that counters isolation.
7. Embrace the Power of Shared Silence
Society often pressures us to fill the silence, but sometimes, the deepest bonds are formed in quiet company. Consider embracing silence with those close to you. Whether it’s working quietly alongside a friend, sharing a silent moment in nature, or simply sitting together without the need for constant conversation, shared silence can be a powerful reminder that connection doesn’t always require words. This counter-cultural practice nurtures a feeling of togetherness and is a gentle balm for loneliness.
Creating a Community That Heals
Building authentic community requires intention and, sometimes, a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. By prioritizing depth, embracing vulnerability, and daring to cultivate relationships across differences, we can combat loneliness and forge supportive connections. In a hyperconnected yet isolating world, women have the unique opportunity to redefine what it means to belong. And by creating communities where we truly see each other, we can combat the loneliness that is far too common in our lives and workplaces.
Connect with Michele on LinkedIn or read more of her articles on Plaid.
