There are many reasons for being alone on the holidays. Whether you are alone by choice or alone due to unforeseen circumstances, it is natural to experience feelings of sadness and a lack of motivation. If you are anticipating spending the holidays alone, consider taking some of that pressure off your shoulders and exploring ways to make the holidays easier. Callaway Senior Life Solutions offers three suggested ways to avoid loneliness during the holidays.

1) Be Good to Yourself: “While it may not completely erase feelings of loneliness, taking special care of yourself can help you to feel better and enjoy your solitude more. Whether you take a relaxing bath and give yourself spa treatments, curl up with a good book, enjoy a hobby, or learn something new, doing something for yourself is a form of self-care that is especially important during difficult times,” (VeryWellMind, 2022).

2) Reframe Your Expectations: “TV shows, movies, and now social media constantly show you images of what an “ideal” holiday season looks like. Because of this, it can be easy to feel as though you’re not measuring up when spending the holidays alone. …Looking at the holiday season from a different angle may help you remove the emotional pressure. Reassessing your expectations for how the season will go instead of how it should go can help. …If you’re going through a difficult time, you could see the holidays as a few days you’ll have to take care of yourself and heal,” (PsychCentral, 2021).

3) Share Your Time: “Giving your time to support a cause is a great way to give back and do good, particularly during the holidays. The season is typically filled with opportunities to help those in need, including: Donating clothing you no longer use; Giving time to a local animal shelter; Visiting an assisted living home or sending them heartfelt holiday cards; Volunteering at a homeless shelter. Volunteering can make you feel good about yourself and your life,” (PsychCentral, 2021).

We are your hospital's program, designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically 65 and older experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. If you would like more information, education, or would like to discuss support this holiday season, please reach out to your provider or a member of our Senior Life Solutions team today at 836-2153. Our team members are Kelly Herbig, RN/Program Director; Jerri Phillips, Therapist; and Janel Brestel, Office Patient Coordinator.