When You’re Alone at the Holidays: How to Feel Better

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is typically centered around family, friends, and gathering together to share a meal. However, for some people, being alone on Thanksgiving can be a challenging and lonely experience. Whether you’re far from loved ones or unable to attend social gatherings, being alone at the holidays doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely.

When You’re Alone at the Holidays

If you’re used to having Thanksgiving with a group of friends or family, and you find yourself alone at the holidays, it can be a little daunting. But there are many ways to change your mindset and enjoy what can be a lonely experience.

Brighten Your Day When You’re alone at the Holidays

You can’t be there in person with your loved ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with them, or yourself in new and different ways. There are so many options to choose from. For example,

• Schedule a virtual meal or gathering to share the experience with your loved ones. Video calls and virtual games bring people together even if they are miles apart.

• Take advantage of alone time to focus on self-care. Relax with a good book or treat yourself to a soothing bubble bath. This can help you recharge and take a break from everyday stressors.

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• Volunteer to help those who may be struggling at a food bank, homeless shelter, hospital, nursing home, or a community Thanksgiving event. This not only helps others but can also bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose. You may also make some new friends.

• Create a plan of fun activities. Cook your favorite meal. Watch a movie. Do a craft project. Or get a head start on winter baking. The house will smell wonderful, and most desserts, especially, freeze well. These activities can help you stay in the moment and entertained throughout the day.

• Focus on the good things and practice gratitude. Write down what you are grateful for in a journal. Or create a gratitude jar to fill with notes throughout the day. Acknowledging the positives in your life can lift your mood.

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More Ways to Brighten Your Day When You’re Alone

• Take a walk or go for a hike to get some fresh air and exercise. This can boost your mood and decrease feelings of loneliness. You could even plan a picnic in the park or set up a cozy outdoor space to enjoy your meal.
• There’s a lot to choose from for entertainment on Thanksgiving Day. From annual parades to football games to a host of Christmas movies, there’s something for everyone. Thanksgiving Day can also be a day to indulge a “guilty pleasure“: Stream a Netflix marathon of your favorite TV show or treat yourself to a movie out, complete with popcorn and treats.
• Break out the holiday decorations. Thanksgiving Day can be a nice time to begin decking the halls. The process of trimming a tree or putting up outdoor lights can keep you active and also give your spirits a boost.
• Plan a personal online shopping event for yourself. It’s not too early to start holiday shopping, especially for the people on your list who may be challenging. Many stores may be closed on Thanksgiving, but lucky for us, the internet is aways open.

We Don’t Have to be Lonely When We’re Alone

Spending Thanksgiving (or any holiday) alone can feel daunting and isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.

By connecting virtually with loved ones, focusing on self-care, volunteering your time, planning activities you enjoy, acknowledging gratitude, and getting outside, you can make the most of your alone time and combat feelings of loneliness.

Embrace this opportunity as a time for self-reflection, relaxation, and appreciation for the good things in your life.

Or use the day to help get ahead of some holiday shopping, decorating, or baking.

Know you need never be alone when you are feeling lonely. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Thank you as always for reading.

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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach.  Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.