5 ways to reduce loneliness in your neighborhood

According to new research, knowing as few as 6 neighbors reduces loneliness.

Dear neighbors,

As we enter a new year, many of us are still spending lots of time at home. But that doesn’t mean we’re alone. We have our neighbors.

Nextdoor’s KIND Challenge — a scientific study conducted with leading experts — recently found that knowing as few as six neighbors has proven health benefits, like reducing the likelihood of feeling lonely and lowering depression and social anxiety.

We hope you’ll continue reaching out to your neighbors, particularly those who may be feeling lonely or socially isolated. Here are ways to use Nextdoor to connect with your neighbors: 

1. Join a Group around a common interest; 
2. Check in on a neighbor via direct messages; 
3. Share a story about how you helped a neighbor—or how a neighbor helped you in the newsfeed;
4. Visit the Cheer Map to organize a social distancing holiday walk with a neighbor; or
5. Learn more about how to reduce loneliness in your neighborhood.

Each day we’re so inspired by the ways neighbors around the world are connecting through Nextdoor: In Sydney, Shannon found herself struggling with loneliness while going through IVF. Through Nextdoor she organized a ladies lunch and 15 women of all ages showed up to meet her. Ever since she’s had a group of women in her neighborhood to rely on who have been able to give her moral support during her journey with IVF. In Los Angeles, Isabelle posted on Nextdoor about her father, Giovanni, a chef who was coping with the loss of one of his daughters to cancer, divorce and a deep depression that left him out of work. Dozens of neighbors began ordering Giovanni’s homemade tiramisu, and Isabelle says her dad now has regular customers and, more importantly, hope.

Our neighborhoods aren’t just where we live, they’re essential to who we are. Together, we can make them even better. 

Sarah 

CEO of Nextdoor