It’s started to get cold outside. And everyone knows what that means. Flannel weather and also that the holiday season is around the corner. The holiday season is a time of joy and love, but it can be a depressing time for far too many. Some people live far from family due to job/ personal responsibilities this time of year and miss seeing their loved ones; others dread going without a partner to holiday parties and New Year’s Eve gatherings and end up staying alone at home.
The following suggestions can help you cope up with loneliness this holiday season.
Be Good To Yourself During Holiday Season
It will make you feel better and enjoy your solitude more by taking special care of yourself. Curl up with a good book, engage in a hobby, learn something new, take a relaxing bath, and give yourself spa treatments. Taking time to do stuff will boost your self-esteem and give you a good dose of fun. It will take your mind off feeling alone and will also raise your spirits.
Foster a Friend
Humans aren’t the only creatures who get lonely this time of the year. There are innumerable dogs, cats, bunny rabbits, and all sorts of cute critters who will spend the holidays alone in the shelter. It’s a fact that animal companionship provides an authentic source of connection to the people. It takes the edge off of those feelings of loneliness. If you cannot foster a pet due to some constraints, consider volunteering in an animal shelter, like taking dogs for a walk or playing with the kitty cats. That way, you will have a new friend, and the moments of connection will count.
Make connections
Whether you say hello to neighbors, share nice words with people in the workplace, or pick up the phone and call an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while, reaching out to people and strengthening relationships will make you feel more connected with the outside world.
Give to Others
When you support those who are less fortunate than you, It fills you with feelings of love and pride. It can also remind you of everything you need to be thankful for and even communicate with those who share your passion. You will be part of something greater than yourself and engulfed in the true spirit of the holiday season.
Examine Your Feelings
This one does not immediately make you feel better, but if you feel lonely a lot of the time, this might be a clue that there are some changes required for the coming year. You may want to explore what is behind your feelings of isolation, either alone or with a therapist’s assistance.
To Summarize…
Our emotions are just another part of what it means to be human. They are natural. So instead of trying to distract yourself or numb or avoid these feelings of loneliness, choose to accept that it’s ok to feel lonely. Is it possible to have a good holiday season even though you are carrying around some of those feelings of loneliness? Can you work on your health, enjoy some good meals, maybe create a work of art or read something that matters to you even though you are missing your family and friends. If so, that can make a difference.
We wish you a very happy holiday season. We hope you will be able to create some spaces of belonging, honor some of your traditions safely and responsibly, and that you’ll be able to make the most out of the receding days of the year. We are on a mission to spread joy and help you lead a meaningful and healthy life. Download the JoyScore app now to make these days more joyful with the numerous suggested activities. Happy Holidays!
