Unique Tips for dealing with loneliness over the holidays

Unique tips for dealing with loneliness during the holiday season  10/4/2023
by Stephanie Donofrio, LMFT

1. Allow yourself to speak or get to know people you might not normally talk to. Invite neighbors over for a social event in your backyard . Serve a pie and have others bring one to share as well.

2. Volunteer an hour or two at an animal shelter snuggling and playing with cats or dogs, teaching a craft or sharing a talent at a retirement or assisted living facility. Sometimes staying busy or doing something for others helps distance ourselves from feelings of loneliness.

3. Take sometime for yourself to focus learning a new craft (crochet animals/Woobles) watch videos, have supplies on hand and enjoy the uninteruppted time.

4. Get out of the house, sometimes the holidays mean a few days off! Take a trip to an area you've wanted to travel, eat at a diner or other restaurants that are open regardless of the holiday. As you travel your way back, play your favorite music, listen to an inspiring or interesting podcast, hide kindness rocks at rest stops!