Many people feel lonely during the holiday season. Everyone is going on a vacation and posting pictures of their family during Christmas celebrations; however, some people may feel left out. So, PhDs Kory Floyd, Sabine Schmid, and LMFT Jessie Everts share a few simple ways to grow closer to others while finding peace within yourself at the same time.
Taking a Break from Social Media
Kory Floyd, Ph.D., says that people often believe that they somehow deserve to be lonely. However, it’s not a shortcoming – it’s a temporary state because the holiday season can be quite difficult. The sense of isolation in people can be worsened by colorful Instagram or Facebook media posts of holiday “perfection.” The thing you need to do is to remind yourself that the pictures you see on social media are highly curated and don’t tell the whole story. Take a break from social media for 48 hours so that you can refocus on your needs.
Time Can Heal
Being lonely is like being hungry. It’s like a signal that is aimed at motivating us. This is what Sabine Schmid, Ph.D. thinks. The truth is, you can still be lonely in the presence of people. That being said, it’s important to ask yourself what exactly you are missing. If you have recently lost a loved one, for example, the holidays can be quite difficult, no matter how many friends and close ones you are surrounded by. Time for grieving may be the first step toward healing.
Loving-Kindness Meditation Can Help
Expert Jessie Everts says that one of her favorite meditations is loving-kindness. Stop and think about someone you truly care about and send them positive thoughts. Furthermore, expand this circle by sending good wishes to all those who are lonely. This fosters a sense of shared humanity, as your wishes are reflected in you.
Baby Steps to Deepen Bonds
This may sound a bit counterintuitive; however, individuals who feel lonely tend to avoid others. People often tell Schmid that if they call a friend, this makes them feel like they have to reach out, and this makes them even more left out. It may be hard at first, but Schmid encourages taking small steps, even if it’s saying hello to a neighbor. It’s a simple shift that can reduce your self-focus and boost your confidence to take further action, like reaching out to loved ones when you are feeling lonely