5 Coping ideas if you're alone during the holidays

Let's get this out of the way first: Just because you're alone during the holidays doesn't mean you're failing in life.

It might feel like you're the only one going through this right now; you're not.

In a world where the new normal has changed drastically since 2020, we should also make room for more kindness and understanding towards ourselves. Cultivating a strong mental wellness is part of that.

"One in four of us will be affected by poor mental mental health at some point in our life."

Raising awareness and talking about mental health is a great first step, but we also need to look at a wide range of resources to help people cope.

"The WHO argues that there is no health without mental health."

Recognizing that our minds and bodies constantly influence each other is the first step to feeling better, whether it's now during the holidays or at a later point in your life.

5 tips to feel better during the holidays if you're alone:

#1: Get in touch with yourself, set a routine and micro goals per day:

Instead of going nuts with retail therapy, the dating scene or whatsoever distraction; get real and check in with yourself. Write down what you'd like this holiday to look like.

What's one micro goal you have per day?

“Routine and consistency are key. Filling your days gives you less time to ruminate on negative thoughts and feelings. In therapy, we call this behavior activation.”

Eating wholefoods is part of that and can be explained by the brain-gut axis. Our gut microbiome is influenced by the foods/drinks we consume and it influences in turn our mental wellness.

Try alternating the christmas food feasting with some wholefoods here and there; your mood, energy levels and skin complexion will thank you.

#2: Reset expecations:

If the past two years has taught us anything, it’s how to be flexible and embrace the unexpected.

Try to find joy in visiting a new part of town or trying something new; whether it's a coffee shop, a drink or a pastry.

#3: Set whatever tone you want:

One of the best things things about being an adult is you get to decide how your holidays look like.

Try creating new traditions with your subsitute family.

#4: Recognize what and who you have:

Give thanks for what you have. It could always be worse. And it also opens up the door for more good stuff.

Actively work on improving your relationship with the people that you do have in your life.

Take a moment to recognize the people you have in your life and send a message to check in with them.

#5: Practice hospitality:

Do a good deed for those who are less fortunate; whether it's helping out a friend, donating something to someone who's in need, or showing some kindness to people throughout your daily interactions. Helping others will bring you a sense of purpose and help you to feel better and less lonely.

Happy holidays