Giving the holiday season a new, positive perspective
The holiday season is marked by family get-togethers, and Christmas movie marathons with your roommates. It’s a time where being surrounded by people is the expectation, whether you’re shopping in overly crowded malls, or stuck in a room full of relatives. Despite the rarity of alone time during this time of year, the feeling of loneliness is a prominent one. Whether you’re rocking the single-status around your Christmas tree, or simply feeling a little down-and-out, we have some strategies for you to make this the best – and healthiest – holiday season yet.
Rejuvenate yourself.
After 11 months, there’s no doubting that once December hits, we’re all running a little dry on energy. It’s been a long year full of relentless hard work, earned accomplishments, and exhausting letdowns. However, we all assume the holiday season is supposed to be filled with others. While everyone else is busy running themselves a little thin, take this holiday season to give yourself a break, and pamper yourself with some much needed alone time.
Know your limits.
Recognize how much time spent alone is too much for you. We’re all social beings to a certain extent, so give yourself the opportunity to refresh and make plans. Keep in mind that spending time with friends is allowed this time of year – a time often reserved for family simply because it’s all we’ve ever known. Plan a night full of Netflix with some old friends, or go bowling. There’s no reason your holiday season has to follow a Hollywood-holiday script.
Savor the single life.
If I told you not to worry about intrusive questions regarding your love life, I’d be lying. There’s going to be a lot of them, you and I both know that. “When are you going to bring your boyfriend home?” will undoubtedly be a popular one among the crowd. Don’t let these conversation-certainties ruin your holidays. Go prepared with a sense of humour, and a quick comeback boasting about the money you saved that would’ve been spent on a significant other that you now get to spoil yourself with. Remind yourself that your family just wants you to be happy – especially you, ladies. Unfortunately, it’s still assumed women are happier when paired off. Assert yourself, and show off your ability to be happy on your own terms, not somebody else’s.
Don’t just “snap out of it.”
Sometimes, the not-so-great feelings that come paired with the holiday season aren’t things we can just “snap out of.” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a lack of exposure to sunshine resulting in decreased melatonin production – affects a number of people annually, while a continuous feeling of hopelessness might be an indication of depression. It’s not enough to just “snap out of it”; don’t be ashamed to reach out to family, friends, and most importantly, a doctor for the necessary help.
Recognize that you hold the power.
Some people might crank up Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” and label it their jam this December, as self-pity will ultimately be at the top of their to-do list. Although, as much as we love Elvis, you might want to skip this track. Take a more proactive approach, and allow yourself to recognize that you hold the power in making this the happiest of holidays. Enjoy time spent by yourself, whether it’s repeatedly watching Elf or reading those books on your night stand that have been there for months, and most importantly, spend the holiday season how you want. Don’t be afraid to make your own traditions, and your own ideal holiday.