Alone this Christmas? Here are some thoughts and tips
Christmas can be a wonderful time, but also challenging if you feel alone. And of course loneliness is tough sometimes - we are social creatures after all. Research shows that involuntary loneliness is not good for health, but that doesn't mean you have to have a partner. Good friends, meaningful activities and small steps can make a big difference. Here are some tips, but remember that it is not your fault if you are alone.
Here are some simple thoughts about making Christmas a slightly brighter experience:
- Get in touch: Send a text, call someone, or suggest a coffee. It is always warm to feel a sense of belonging.
- Find activities: Go to a Christmas market, a church service or any event where you can be among people.
- Do something for yourself: Watch a cozy movie, cook a favorite dish or take a walk and enjoy the Christmas lights.
- Believe in the best: Social psychologist John T. Cacioppo suggests that you expect things to turn out well—it can help you dare to approach new people and experiences.
And if you feel the loneliness stings extra, remember that there is nothing wrong with you. Loneliness is part of being human, something we all experience at times. Christmas is not only about being with others, but also about finding small glimpses of joy and peace in your own company.
So if you're feeling lonely this Christmas, try to see it as a chance to be a little extra kind to yourself. Who knows - a friendly text or a smile to someone else can also brighten someone's day.
Read more here!
Further reading:
Free time is productive and well-deserved
Normal to not always have maximum happiness
There is a lot of free, cheap and other things to be grateful for in Sweden
Another tip on things you can do - although then you need to have a social network beforehand: https://alternativjul.no/.
In Sweden, it is mainly the church that cares: https://www.kyrkanstidning.se/debatt/traditionen-alternativ-jul-fortsatter-efter-54-ar
Important comment like all your comments. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I don't know if I dare to say Happy New Year, it seems that every new year so far in the 2000st century has been worse than the previous one, at least here in Europe. We have really incompetent rulers, and we ourselves seem as incompetent as can do no better.
A blog post to be (dis)amused by until further notice: https://mahbubani.net/its-time-for-the-west-and-the-rest-to-talk-to-each-other-as-equals/
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The text about
global equality was great. Thanks for your always interesting comments. Proud that you, who can and have read so much, like my blog.