Spending the Holidays Alone

This is the 1st time I am by myself across the country with no family & friends nearby. I clearly didn’t think this through because I wish I were celebrating w/ friends & family this season.

Considering for the past two years, I’ve been alone often. I am known for being the lone wolf in my family. However, key dates & Holidays have never been spent without family & friends (especially if you have a chef of a mom). But in this season, 2 days before New Years, I find myself lonely & filling my time with positive actions to fight my seasonal depression.

If you are spending the holidays alone, it can be a challenging time. Here are a few suggestions for how to make the most of the holiday season:

1. Connect with others: Just because you are alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Consider reaching out to friends or family members via phone or video call or joining an online support group or virtual community.

• I facetime all my friends and family for hours at a time. I pick a different family member or friend every day of the week, and I feel caught up on their lives, and the FOMO dissipates. Sometimes I schedule the call in advance just to confirm their availability. We eat, drink, & laugh together for up to 2 hours sometimes, and it fills my cup every time.

2. Get involved in activities: Look for opportunities to get involved in activities that you enjoy, whether that be volunteering, participating in a hobby, or going for a walk.

• I am 8 min away from the nearest hiking trail in my city. On a weekly basis, I am out there for up 2 two hours at a time. I download the hike (GPS to get around offline) get lost (not paying much attention to directions), and breathe in the fresh air of the rainforest. It is magical. I am so grateful for the proximity.

3. Practice self-care: Take some time to focus on your own well-being. This could include indulging in a relaxing activity, such as a bubble bath or reading a book, or trying a new recipe and cooking a special meal for yourself.

• Part of my self-care routine includes meditating, praying, working out, and cooking my Hello Fresh recipes (click on link to try for free, only pay for shipping). It really does change everything on how I FEEL throughout the day. Once one of those items is complete, my mood for the day is positive. It’s like tricking your mind into believing everything is just as it should be, and soon after, you start believing it (less resistance, more happiness).

4. Set intentions for the new year: The holiday season can be a great time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Consider making a list of goals or resolutions, or write down things you are grateful for.

• IF you haven’t done your vision board yet, you are late! I dont have magazines but a trick I learned on Tik Tok is using Pinterest to collect images/inspiration on what your 2023 can look like. (Writing/ Journaling makes achieving your goals easier.)
• Consider YEARCOMPASS 2023 to reflect on the past year & plan for the new year. The exercise may take a few hours, but being intentional in your planning will only set you up for success!

5. Reach out for support: If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with feelings of loneliness or sadness, it’s important to seek support. Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member.

• In the past, I’ve used Alma to look for a therapist. Seeking help before its too late is a healthy practice (it shows a sense of self-awareness). I’ve even googled therapists that take (fill in your insurance name) in (your city’s name) and filter what you want.

Remember, it’s okay to feel a range of emotions during the holiday season, and it’s important to allow yourself to feel and process those emotions. By focusing on self-care and connecting with others, you can make the most of the holiday season, even if you are alone.