 of illnesses that are associated with loneliness, your risk of premature death or dying early is right around smoking a little bit less than a pack of cigarettes a day. Patel recommends online support groups. Talk to strangers, practice self-care, or start a hobby. Just focus on connections, even if it's one person a day. Sarah Jacobs, WTOP News. If you thought your hotel booking cost you more this year, you're right. WTOP's Ian Crawford has more.