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Alone for the Holidays? Make New Traditions
When everyone around you seems to be getting together with their families but you are facing the holidays alone, it's easy to feel down. Instead of going it alone, look for ways to stay busy during this time.
Spread some cheer and volunteer!
Research has shown that volunteering can improve your mental and physical well-being. When you get involved with other people's problems, yours tend not to look so bad. Not only that, research has shown that giving of your time may help you live longer.
Instead of sitting around an empty table, take the festivities to others who are feeling the same way you are — find companionship through a common cause. There are a lot of people who may be spending the holidays alone, like residents at senior homes, visitors to soup kitchens, or patients at hospitals. Everyone likes to feel loved; as a stranger who is willing to reach out a helping hand or just sit down for some friendly conversation, you will be doing yourself and another person some good. Social interaction is an important way to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Here are some other ideas to keep you from stressing about being alone:
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Go on vacation |
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Call a friend who makes you feel good |
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Give yourself something to look forward to by planning a special treat for every day of the holiday - visit a museum, go for a hike, indulge in your favourite dessert, go to the spa |
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Create your perfect day - read a good book, savour the chocolates you were given, take a long bath, watch a good movie |
The holidays are what you make them. It may take some mental adjustment to consider creating a new holiday tradition, but the important thing is that you put your health first. Keep the stress out and let the joy in — however you find it and whomever you share it with!
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