Finding Joy This Holiday Season: 13 Ways to Cope With Holiday Loneliness During the Pandemic by Dr. Sanam Hafeez

As the holidays inch closer, many who live alone are anticipating feelings of loneliness and isolation. The coronavirus pandemic has made it exponentially more difficult this year, as loved ones and family members are not advised to travel to be together. While it may be the safest option, it also leaves many spending the holidays alone making it harder to mitigate negative feelings. You aren’t alone, and there are ways to foster joy and feel fulfilled during this time of year.

1. Make a plan and build anticipation.
2. Simplify your expectations.
3. Start a gratitude journal for the holidays.
4. Treat yourself.
5. Remember what and who you still have.
6. Create new traditions.
7. Get in touch with your spirituality.
8. Create a cozy environment in your home.
9. Keep an eye out for socially distanced events. Many local organizations are putting their creativity on full display and coming up with ways to enjoy holiday traditions from a safe distance. For instance, some groups are arranging drive-in movie nights and screening holiday favorites.
10. Help out those less fortunate in a way that is safe. Giving back brings fulfillment.
11. Enjoy a virtual dinner. Arrange a time for all of your loved ones to sit down for dinner and video chat with each other from their respective homes.
12. Don’t romanticize your typical holiday plans. Think of some of the stress and boring office parties you are not obligated to attend.
13. Look forward to the future. Vaccines are being rolled out and the holiday season for 2022 will likely look very different.

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