Eating Alone Affects Your Mental Health
It is common knowledge that the types of food a person consumes has direct effects on their physical health and risk for metabolic diseases. However what is less common knowledge is the effect that food has on our mental health, and furthermore, the effects of who we eat with on our mental health.
Dunbar (2017) studied the effects of eating alone compared to with company, and discovered the link between those who eat regularly with others and an increased happiness and satisfaction with life. The study finds that those who eat in groups are more trusting of people, more engaged and feel more supported in their lives than those who eat alone.
He also recognises that the release of endorphins whilst eating promotes bonding, and this bonding reaction with others creates benefits at communal, networking and personal levels.
Disruptors to the social value of eating:
Living alone
Eating most meals alone
Eating in front of the TV
Eating in the car en route
Having limited financial means
Having a limited social network
Not eating at the dining table
I always eat alone, what can I do to change this?
According to the UK Wellbeing Index (2018), 1 in 3 people eat alone regularly. Sometimes it’s inevitable due to our circumstances and busy lives, but heres some options to consider:
Organise regular friends nights (ie. Weekly or fortnightly taco night)
Eat in food halls or meeting spaces and leave a seat open next to you for someone
Invite or visit family members for meals
Have virtual company by calling or facetiming a loved one
Consider having a room mate
Join some circles or clubs to make friends
References:
Dunbar, R. (2017). Breaking bread: the functions of social eating. Adaptive Human Behaviour and Physiology, 3, 198-211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4
Sainsburys. (2018). Sainsbury living well index. Oxford Economics. https://www.about.sainsburys.co.uk/~/media/Files/S/Sainsburys/living-well-index/sainsburys-living-well-index-sep-2018.pdf