Feeling lonely at Christmas can happen for all kinds of reasons. These may include COVID-19 isolation, loss of a family member, divorce, illness, or something else altogether.
Whilst recognising it is understandable you may feel lonely given your circumstances there are some things you can do to feel more connected.
Here are six suggestions.
1. Reach out to others
Chances are there are many other people in the same boat as you, or even in worse situations, so this might be an opportunity to help others.
You could visit friends or family or volunteer in your community, bring gifts to kids in hospital, or help serve Christmas dinner at your local aged care home.
2. Get active
Exercise improves mood, so if you’re mobile do some exercise – even if it’s just a local walk.
3. Eat/do something you enjoy
How about making a Christmas dinner for one and then end the day off with a funny movie?
If the thought of eating alone makes you sad, consider sharing your meal with someone else in your neighbourhood who is also alone. You might even make a new friend!
4. Host or attend an online party
With the interruption of COVID-19, many people have turned to technology such as social media, Zoom, Facetime or Messenger to keep in touch. If you can’t meet in person for Christmas, you could make use of one of these apps to hold an online Christmas
5. Practice gratitude
Noticing what you appreciate improves mood. One way to do this is to write down at least three things you are thankful for each day in a journal, and how these things make your life better.
6. Lower your expectations
Disappointments tend to occur because our expectations have not been met, or maybe because we feel we’ve let others down. Lowering your expectations of yourself and others at Christmas can help.
