During the holiday season, people tend to spend an increased amount of time together mingling and celebrating. While this might be the case for many family and friends, many people spend the holidays alone and in solitude. Whether you’re separated from loved ones, going through a major life transition, or simply feeling disconnected, coping with loneliness during the holidays can be quite the challenge. Here are a few practical and heartfelt strategies to ease the pangs of loneliness during the holidays.
Accept Your Feelings
Dealing with feelings of loneliness can be confusing and even hard to admit to yourself. Start the coping process by first acknowledging your feelings so you can better understand why you might be feeling this way. It’s okay to feel sad, lonely, or even frustrated during the holidays. You aren’t alone in these emotions, and feeling them doesn’t make you any less important. Understand that there are ways to improve these feelings, and that they don’t define you or the holiday season. Understanding and accepting your emotions is crucial for developing effective coping mechanisms.
Reach Out
It could be that physical distance between you and family members plays a huge part in your seasonal loneliness, but all is not lost! Take advantage of the resources you have, and connect virtually. Schedule video calls, send heartfelt messages, and let your friends and family know you’re thinking of them. Virtual connections can bridge the gap and provide a sense of togetherness. Whether your friends and family are near or far, talking to them on the phone is a great way to catch up, discuss future plans together, and become closer. Coping with loneliness during the holidays is a personal journey, and there is no correct solution for everyone. But acknowledging your emotions, reaching out to loved ones, and creating new traditions can help make the holidays a joyful time for anyone. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or email us through the contact us page.
