Combating Loneliness at Christmas
For someone who absolutely loves Christmas, decorating the house and especially the tree which I look forward to doing each year. Being warm and cosy and enjoying good food and drink and sharing it with family and friends is such a feeling of happiness, but for some it is a time of dread, the thought of being alone at Christmas for some people is more anxiety and sadness causing the normal loneliness of the year to be even more overwhelming.
Some people find it hard to cope and to get themselves out of deep darkness and have no friends or family close by. Please see some tips for coping with loneliness at Christmas below that can hopefully help:
If you are able, try and go for walks every day, this will help with your mental state and get you out the house and hopefully see people.
Organise group activities such as park walks for others that maybe in the same situation.
Find and join a local club that suits you.
Consider church services, again to be in the presence of others.
Always accept any invitations if offered to spend time with others.
Volunteering at hospitals, soup kitchens, nursing homes etc in the holidays is also a way to connect with others and will also give you a boost at the joy you will bring to others.
Help a neighbour who can’t leave the house do a grocery run or take their dog for a walk if they have one.
If being alone is unavoidable, make sure you treat yourself, cook your favourite food or get that special thing in that you like, watch your favourite movies, or start a new book. Or even start a new hobby and do something exciting that you have wanted to do but have never had the courage. Just go for it and enjoy.
How we can help:
We could all do our bit to help combat loneliness, it effects so many people of all ages, even if just an hour a week to speak with someone either face to face or on the telephone, or if you see someone alone when you are out and about take the time to say hello, human interaction for some is all that is needed to make their day. I for one will always say hello/good morning to passersby on a walk that I don’t know, it makes me feel good if nothing else.
My mum volunteers at a charity club provided for pensioners, which not only helps her with loneliness but gives her pleasure in helping and making others day, giving them that human interaction. They also organise day trips and lunches which they all enjoy. It only has to be a simple thing to put a smile on someone’s face.
Please give a thought to all those that will be alone this Christmas and help if you possibly can.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year.