For some, the holiday season means being with loved ones and feeling a sense of community. For others, it’s the loneliest and most stressful, not “the most wonderful” time of year. Over 50% of Americans report feelings of sadness and loneliness during the holidays, while 69% of people report being stressed due to lack of time and lack of money. While some may prefer to be alone, avoiding traffic, traditions, relational dynamics and other stressors, loneliness isn’t a matter of choice for others in different circumstances.
Though the holidays can add another layer to loneliness and/or stress, there are steps you can take to combat those feelings. Here are a few tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
Know you’re not alone. While your story is uniquely yours, even if you may be alone in the physical sense, it’s important to remember others are going through similar experiences at this very moment. Cultivating this awareness is key.
Breathe and meditate. Believe it or not, breathing by itself is something we don’t do as often or deeply as we should, even though it technically keeps us alive. Take some extra time to intentionally breathe deeply and be in the present moment wherever you are. There are countless meditation and breathing exercises available online.
Practice gratitude and random acts of kindness. Simply giving thanks for life is an incredibly freeing practice. Getting your mind off yourself or your circumstances can also help combat loneliness. There are lots of ways to extend kindness by volunteering or reaching out remotely. Check out sites like: doinggoodtogether.org or volunteermatch.org for more opportunities.
If you’re feeling like you could use some additional support, our team is ready to serve you. To learn more and register, call 844-242-3364.
Sources: Cigna; YouGovAmerica; ValuePenguin; Clarity Clinic; Clarity Clinic; Lending Tree
