Well in Mind: Coping with Loneliness and the Holidays
- Be Good to Yourself: Taking time to do things that will enhance your self-esteem or give you a good dose of fun will not only take your focus off of feeling alone, but it can lift your spirits as well
- Understand that You’re Not Alone: While it may be uncomfortable to feel lonely, it’s okay and normal to feel this way. Talking to others who may share your feelings can help you to feel less alone in your situation.
- Rethink Your Expectations: Realize that few people’s life truly measure up to “movie” or commercial standards of perfect living, and shift your focus to all the great things you do have in your life. Limit social media if you are feeling lonelier and stressed after viewing other people’s holiday life.
- Get Connected: This may be a time to message people over social media whose statuses you usually simply like, and catch up on old friendships. It’s harder to feel lonely when you’re reaching out to people, whether it’s co-workers, neighbors, or old friends.
- Cultivate Gratitude: It’s hard to focus on gratitude and what you’re lacking at the same time. Maintaining a gratitude journal can help lower depression and stress and increase a sense of wellness and fullness in life.
- Examine your Feelings: If you feel lonely much of the time, this may be a cue that some changes are in order for the coming year. Examine what’s behind your feelings of loneliness. Call Well In Mind at x. 6187 if you need support in this or any of the above mentioned tips.
