The holidays are fun, but they can also be stressful. Especially if you’re single and everyone’s constantly asking you why. Nosy parents, great aunts, and old friends love asking questions like, “Are you in a relationship?” It’s annoying, I know. But don’t let their intrusion make you feel lonely. Instead of feeling down about your relationship status, try doing these 10 things to make yourself feel great and empowered:
Adjust Your Understanding
Who said the holiday season is supposed to be spent in a relationship? The holidays are for family. You should make time for the people who raised you, brought you up, and love you unconditionally. Focus on them! Spend time with your parents, your siblings, and cousins. Maybe even book a flight to visit your family on the opposite side of the country.
Try An Exercise Class
Exercising is a great way to improve your overall mood. Plus, there are a ton of people in workout classes. You can make friends all while burning calories! And even if for some reason you don’t want to say hi to your neighbor, simply being around people can help make you feel less lonely.
Do Something That Scares You
I’m not advising anyone jump out of a plane with a parachute tied on their back. However, there is something very freeing about getting out of your comfort zone every once in a while. Loneliness goes hand in hand with boredom. The only way to alleviate that feeling is by doing things you wouldn’t normally do. Get out of your box this holiday season by trying new things and spending time with people you wouldn’t normally spend time with. You might surprise yourself!
Stop And Focus
A lot of times we get lonely when we think too far into the future. We stress out over the fact that we’re single at 30 or friendless at 25. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when we’re caught up in our feels. That’s why it’s so important to stop and focus on the present. Try to stop stressing over what you can’t control. It’s easier said than done, I know. But, try to spend this holiday season actively working to live in the present.
Make A List
We all have a mental list of things we want to do but rarely make time for. Spend this holiday season knocking a few of those items off your list. You can’t be lonely when you’re being productive, right? Clean your home, re-decorate your living room, research something — whatever you’ve been meaning to do, make sure you actually do it.
Get Inspired
We all have things that inspire us, what inspires you? Whatever it is, do it while you’re feeling lonely. Watch a TedTalk, listen to a podcast, read a book, go to the museum. Don’t let yourself get into a rut because you’re lonely. Get out of that rut by keeping your mind moving and your energy high. It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re too busy feeling inspired!
Accept Invitations
The holidays are a busy time for parties! Odds are, there are a few invites on your Facebook calendar you’ve yet to respond to. Maybe it’s because you’re feeling down in the dumps or maybe you don’t really know the people hosting the party. The reason doesn’t matter as long as you go! Accept invitations you typically wouldn’t accept and see what comes from it.
Get Connected
How can you feel lonely when you’re in constant contact with other people?! Exactly. A lot of people make the mistake of wallowing in self-pity when they feel lonely. Don’t do that! Get connected. Whether that means meeting up with your friends or spending more time with family. Get connected. You could even join a group on facebook, attend an event, or download a dating app to meet new people.
Be Kind To Yourself
You might not think massages, warm baths, and curling up with a cup of hot chocolate while watching a movie is going to make you feel less lonely. It totally will! If you’re going to be alone, make sure you enjoy what you’re doing while you’re alone. Be kind to yourself and focus on self-care. It’ll make you feel good and help you focus on something other than your relationship status.
Spruce Up Your Environment
This one might seem a little out of the box. But think of the place you spend most of your time. Is it your bedroom? Your living room? Wherever it is, make sure it brings you joy. It’s easy to feel alone when you absolutely hate the place you live! Spruce up your environment so it makes you happy. Consider it a DIY project. Not only will it keep you busy this holiday season, but the final outcome will make you feel great!