You don’t have to be alone to be lonely.

Are you lonely? If so, you’re health is at serious risk. 

Research has linked persistent loneliness to some serious health problems and premature death. Here are some signs that you might be suffering from loneliness:

• You lack sound sleep: Lonely people tend to have disrupted or fragmented sleep.

• You take long, hot showers: Lonely people often take longer, hotter showers and baths, more frequently.

• You love your stuff: Lonely people can get overly attached to physical possessions like a computer, a car, clothes or collectibles.

• You’re stuck on Facebook: Excessive posting or tracking of Facebook friends can fuel the lonely fire.

• You sweat the small stuff: Loners are much more likely to overreact to everyday annoyances such as traffic jams, bad weather or bad news.

There are a few things you can try to break the loneliness cycle:

• Make small connections. Say hello, smile or compliment others around you, even if you don’t know them.

• Join something bigger than you. Volunteering or sitting in on a local club or cause can help to get your mind off yourself.

• If you’re more comfortable online, try a site like Meetup.com or Groups.Yahoo.com. You may just stumble across some real life interaction in your area. 

• Consider a pet. Connecting with and caring for another creature can do wonders for both of you.