While the holidays may be filled with fun, laughter and joyful family gatherings for many of us, for a variety of reasons many may be spending the holidays, or some part of them, alone. Especially with the pandemic, this may be truer than ever before.
The holidays often bring on the blues in people. Some may be remembering lost ones over the holidays, others just may find the pandemic isolation hitting them harder during this time of year. Or, if we aren’t in a good place ourselves, seeing all the laughter and joy around us may make us feel more lonely than ever. So how do we get out of the holiday funk?
Plan Ahead
Remember, a day is just a day. It’s what we make of it. So, if we know that the holidays likely are going to be filled with sad memories or bring on feelings of loneliness, lets try our best to fill these days with things we enjoy. Keeping ourselves busy can often be one of the best ways to get through a particularly challenging day.
My tip: Fill the days with things that you really enjoy. That take your mind to another place. For me, quite often that means a book from my favorite author. I could spend an entire day lost in a book. Puzzles are also a great way to pass the time, feeling progress as each piece fits in its place. Or perhaps it’s a day to binge your favorite television series!
Celebrate Yourself
No one said we can’t have a party of one during the holidays! Sometimes that can be the best party out there. It’s a great time to celebrate the wins of the year – we’ve all had them and perhaps didn’t have time in the moment to truly bask in the glory of them. Now can be that time!
And one of the biggest wins is YOU! You have undoubtedly brought love, light, and fun into the lives of those around you. This has probably meant more to them that you’ve realized. Take a moment and celebrate those very important wins! You are worth a celebration!
You are not Alone
If you are alone this holiday season, know that you are not alone in that loneliness. Many, especially this year, are flying solo for the holidays. Leverage your network if you do want to connect with others on this day – they may just need that personal connection from someone. Or, if you prefer to keep to yourself, shut off your phone and enjoy an uninterrupted day with your best friend – YOU!
Do you have the Holiday Blues?
What’s your strategy for combatting it? Is this year going to be the most challenging one yet given the pandemic for you? If so, do you have a plan to make the day go smoother?
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