Social Loneliness & Holidays
During the holidays,
social loneliness can occur due to lack of connection with your friends and
having less meaningful friendships. Social loneliness is difficult to
comprehend because with social loneliness one can feel isolated. Although
social loneliness is about lacking an emotional connection with your
friendships; It can make one feel uninterested despite sharing common hobbies,
goals, and perspectives. Yet, social isolation is different from social
loneliness because of not having friendships and finding the emotional support
that one needs from others. Social loneliness and social isolation can be felt
at the same time depending on the circumstances, one’s mental health, personal
challenges.
One in four people feel
lonely. Loneliness can be felt when one is diagnosed with diabetes, cancer, or
other illnesses. Social loneliness can also be felt when one has depression,
relationship issues, in the grieving process, and moving to a new city or country.
The more loneliness one feels, the difficult it is to take care of one’s health
because of lack of motivation. However, social loneliness can also be felt when
your friends celebrate a holiday that you might not celebrate.
One can feel social
loneliness when your friendships move forward with their career aspirations
while you are still working on your career. It can also occur when your friends
get married, get a divorce, or have less shared things in common. However, social
loneliness can be managed by expressing gratitude to your friends who are
achieving their goals. Participate in volunteering and getting involved with
your community to make new friendships. Improving your social connections and
learning how to do social networking offline.
Join a book club, a
knitting group, embroidery group, or other club to develop new hobbies and
friendships. As well as finding community events to celebrate the holidays by
yourself and connect with others. Participate in the activities that are
presented in the community events such as watching a holiday movie with
popcorn, a photo booth, dinner dance, music concerts, auctions, raffles,
parade, or playing bingo. Giving food away, gift bags, gift baskets, and using
your time to help others in your community. Keep moving by walking or other
form of exercise as you remember joyful memories.
Find a community group
where you can feel comfortable and welcome others. It can take weeks or months
to find meaningful friendships and where you can feel a sense of belonging.
Nevertheless, even if your friendships celebrate a holiday that you might
celebrate in a different manner; You can create new memories by celebrating the
holiday the way you want to celebrate it. Recognize the changes of your
friendships and accept your friendships as they grow. Sustain your friendships
as they continue to transform you.
The holidays can sometimes
make you feel uncomfortable in a social setting when you have social
loneliness. But it is necessary to find ways to reduce that feeling so you can
enjoy celebrating the holidays when you socialize. Social loneliness does not
mean to end your old friendships; But to slow down to get to know your friends,
feeling creative, and finding ways to socially connect with them. If you are having
issues with eating, sleeping, or difficulties of doing your work tasks because
of your loneliness; Seek professional help and therapy to help you cope with
your loneliness. Here are websites about social loneliness during the holiday
season.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment.