New Delhi: The festival time is a time to enjoy, be happy and stay connected and near to your loved ones. It is a time when people come together with each other but this is not the same for everyone, there are many individuals across the globe who are not able to join their family for celebrations or go home to their loved ones during the main festivals.
While everyone seems to be basking in the warmth of family and friends, many find themselves grappling with feelings of loneliness, making the season feel more like a burden than a blessing. This feeling can stem from various reasons – being geographically separated from loved ones, facing strained relationships, or even personal losses that bring a sense of emptiness during times associated with connection.
There can be many feelings and reasons to feel lonely during the festivals, and not everyone can share it with others. However, one can seek ways to tackle it and also tricks to not feel lonely this festive season. Check these expert ways by Dr Rachna K Singh for strategies that can help alleviate the feeling of loneliness and cultivate a sense of belonging and joy during the festive season.
Ways to not feel lonely this festive season
1. Practice Self–Compassion: It may be difficult to combat the feelings of loneliness, during these times practice self-compassion and acknowledge your feelings. Try to speak to yourself as you would speak to a friend. Engage in activities that bring you peace and joy whether it is reading, journaling, cooking or engaging in creative activities. Let these moments of solitude be filled with things that bring you joy.
2. Reach out to Support System: Loneliness can often lead to isolation, try to reach out to people. It could be as simple as sending someone a message or phone call to a friend or family. There might be other people feeling the same way as you, and they might appreciate the connection just as much as you do. If you do not have your usual support system around you, try reaching out to new people or joining virtual communities. Try attending an event and trying to make connections there.
3. Volunteer: Volunteering during the festive season, whether it is at a local shelter, community service or NGO, can help fill the void of loneliness. Helping people who are less fortunate can bring you a sense of happiness. It can enhance your sense of self-worth and connect you to a larger cause.
4. Create Your Traditions: Loneliness can occasionally result from feeling the need to meet traditional family or societal norms. If the notion of celebrating the holidays in a manner that feels mandatory brings you discomfort, pause and establish your customs. Engaging in activities that hold personal significance to you, whether it be a movie marathon, self-care day, or baking for neighbours, can help make the season feel extra special.
5. Practice Gratitude: When loneliness starts to come in, it’s simple to concentrate on what is lacking. Yet, changing your perspective to focus on gratefulness can be extremely effective in situations such as this. Spend a few moments daily considering the things, whether small or large, that you are grateful for. Expressing thankfulness has been proven to enhance one’s mental health by nurturing feelings of satisfaction and unity with the world.
6. Seek Professional Help: If the feeling of loneliness becomes too much or lasts a long time, it’s important to ask for assistance. Having conversations with a psychologist or counselor can give you strategies to control your emotions and comprehend why you feel lonely. The holiday season may bring up past trauma or unresolved emotions, and having a professional to help you navigate these feelings can lead to significant change.
Experiencing loneliness during the holiday season can be very challenging, but it doesn’t have to shape your overall experience. Through self-compassion, connecting with others, and fostering relationships with yourself and your community, loneliness can be turned into a chance for personal development and introspection. Keep in mind that you are always surrounded by support, whether it be from others or from within yourself. Ultimately, the greatest present you can offer yourself is the gift of taking care of yourself and being kind.
