Could Sending More Snail Mail Help Ease the Loneliness Epidemic?

Do You Ever Feel Lonely?

Ironically, if the answer is yes, you’re probably not alone. In 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared loneliness ‘a pressing global health threat’, comparing the associated health risks to those of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. They went on to describe loneliness as transcending borders and ‘affecting every facet of health, wellbeing and development.’

Social isolation knows no age or boundaries. In older adults, it’s associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and coronary artery disease. But it also affects the lives of young people. Studies have shown between 5% and 15% of adolescents are lonely, figures that are likely to be underestimates. I hate to think of anyone feeling isolated, but it’s particularly sad to imagine young people struggling with this issue.      

Is Snail Mail the Answer?

The work I do and the things I create are largely inspired by my desire to help people nurture their most important relationships. Snail mail plays a crucial role in this mission. What do I mean by snail mail? I’m talking about physical cards and letters delivered by a regular postal service as opposed to instantaneous digital communications like emails and text messages.

The global loneliness epidemic is a complex issue, but on a more local, personal level, I believe snail mail can strengthen our connections with others and reduce feelings of isolation. Research supports this view.

A recent study examined the impact of a 12-month long letter writing project on levels of loneliness. The results showed a mean decrease in loneliness at the end of the intervention. Participants noted that the waiting process between each letter gave them time to think more deeply about their response as well as an event to look forward to (e.g. receiving mail). A 2022 study also identified letter writing as a way to decrease loneliness and promote connection, reducing the risk of physical, psychological and social decline in older adults living in long term care facilities.   

In other words, if you’re feeling lonely, or you’re worried about an isolated friend or family member, sending snail mail might help. 

What’s In Your Friendship Toolbox?

One of my favourite podcasts, Coffee + Crumbs, recently introduced me to the concept of a ‘friendship toolbox’ – a simple list of habits and ideas you can use to be a good friend to others when they need your friendship most.

As well as things like meeting up in person with local friends, and not being afraid of initiating those meetups, I loved some of their suggestions for tiny, thoughtful gestures. For example, having notes about your friends’ preferences in your phone under each contact to help you remember things like their favourite flowers or how they take their coffee. When you don’t have to ask, your friend will feel loved and known because you remembered a small but important detail about them.

They also talked about the various ways we can show up for our friends, whether close by or from afar. For me, sending snail mail would be an obvious choice and an essential part of my friendship toolbox.  

Can’t I Just Send an Email/WhatsApp message?

Of course you can, but there are a few reasons I’d recommend sending a good old-fashioned card or letter instead. 

Putting pen to paper is good for your own mental health. We spend so much time on computers, phones and other screens, going back to analogue gives your brain a break. It’s also an opportunity to do something slow and mindful. Instant communication has its place, but taking your time to write a message by hand can have a much bigger impact. Personally, I love that I have a handful of friends whose handwriting I recognise when a piece of mail falls through the letterbox. This in itself makes me feel more connected to them.

I believe the simple act of writing and sending a card or letter can go a long way to making both you, the writer, and your friend the recipient, feel less lonely and more connected to one another. Receiving something through the letterbox that isn’t junk mail or a bill is such a wonderful surprise these days – it has the power to turn someone’s day around!

Where Do I Start?

Start small. Make a note of people’s birthdays and get into the habit of sending a card for them to receive. You’ll find lots of beautiful designs to choose from here.

Then, if you see a card, recipe, article or quote that makes you think of a friend, write it down or cut it out and send it to them with a little note. It doesn’t need to take hours, but equally, if you want to write an essay, you can! It’s so much nicer to read someone’s handwriting than an email.

Snail mail is great for friends who are far away, but don’t overlook those who live nearby. Receiving a hand delivered note can be extra special. If mailing your card or letter is the only option, and the cost of a first class stamp feels expensive, sending second class is half the price and only takes an extra day or two. Visit discountedstamps.co.uk and discountedpostagestamps.co.uk for lovely, affordable stamps to elevate your envelopes.

Thanks For Stopping By

If you’ve been inspired to connect with your friends via snail mail, I’ve shared a list of things you could include with your letter for no extra postage.