Managing Loneliness During the Holidays

If you struggle with loneliness, it may be heightened during the holiday season. If you pay too much attention to ads on television or social media posts, you may start thinking you are the only one who feels lonely. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Feelings of isolation are at epidemic proportions, and the pandemic has only complicated the situation. 

1) The best way to address loneliness and isolation is to attack it head-on. Take responsibility for your situation and be determined that you are going to foster connection to other people. Call or text friends and family and try to make plans to meet. Be the first one to reach out, and expect a positive response. Practice saying “yes” to every invitation. If you keep this up, over time you will probably feel less lonely.

2) Work on your self-talk. Do you have a little voice in your head telling you that you are not as important as other people because your social calendar isn’t as full as you would like? Recognize that this thinking is distorted. As a human being, your value is inherent, and it is not dependent on how popular or desirable you feel you might be.

3) Focus on other people. Since loneliness is so common, you probably won’t have much trouble finding other lonely people if you look around. If you are willing to give some of your time and a listening ear, you could help yourself and someone else at the same time.

4) Embrace your time alone. As long as you are getting your social needs met, spending time alone is not a bad thing. Getting to know yourself and enjoy your own company is healthy and can also help you to be a better friend.