Feeding the Frenzy

Culture Shift Food plays an important part in alleviating loneliness. "So much of our life is centered around food and what it symbolizes in terms of bringing people together," says Frank Infurna, PhD, professor of psychology at Arizona State University and director of its Lifespan Development Lab.

MINDFUL MOMENTS

Practicing mindfulness and appreciating the experience of preparing and eating food can activate our natural opioid system. "When you bring mindfulness and sensory appreciation to food-the early meal-planning stage, the sensory experience of choosing ingredients-it can help heal feelings of loneliness," says Angie LeRoy, PhD, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University.

When you bite into a juicy tomato, take a moment to notice sensory details: color, texture, and flavor. Make dishes (or use ingredients) that are meaningful to you or connect you to a fond memory.

And consider putting down your phone when it's time to nosh. A 2018 study found that 29 percent of people report scrolling their phones during meals, potentially preventing bonding experiences.