The holiday season can be tough for some people. According to psychcompany.com, it can be hard due to unrealistic expectations, childhood trauma, the pressure to “show off” their relationships or finances, depression and the financial stress of purchasing gifts for family and friends.
“While the holidays can be a joyful time, they can also be a difficult time for many. Feelings of sadness, grief or loneliness can hit especially hard during this time of year,” said Jordan Burko Macatee, assistant clinical professor in the department of psychological sciences at Auburn University.
“It is healthy and normal to feel a range of emotions, and it can be helpful to find ways to express them, such as through journaling or talking to a trusted person. Acknowledging these difficult feelings and engaging in healthy coping strategies can help improve mood,” the professor continued.
Newsweek spoke to Amy Chan on the topic. Chan is the founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp, a retreat that takes a look at the scientific and spiritual approach to healing the heart. She is also editor-in-chief of Heart Hackers Club, an online magazine that specializes in the psychology behind love.
How to navigate love during the holiday season while single
Have something planned
Chan suggested to Newsweek that single people should find something to do in case their non-single friends have plans with their significant others.
“Even if you’re perfectly content, seeing a lot of people post the highlight reels of how happy their festive celebrations are can give you a case of the FOMOs. Create plans for those specific days - whether you see other friends, volunteer or just have something you can do solo lined up. You can take an online class, go out in nature, or even just make yourself a delicious dinner and save a movie you’ve been wanting to watch,” she said.
Don’t FOMO scroll
If seeing friends having fun during the holidays on social media, Chan recommended deleting the app. One could check their social media on their laptop, but it can add an extra step to make it more difficult to “habitually scroll,” which can be an act of self-care.
Do you fear the ‘holiday blues’? Try these tips
The antidote to holiday blues is giving generously
Chan suggests to Newsweek that readers shift their focus away from themselves and put that energy into helping others in need. People can volunteer at soup kitchens, toy/food drives or spend time at a retirement home.
“There are many benefits of this - from boosting social connection to increasing your happiness levels. Research shows that giving can release ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin,” Chan said.
Throw your own party
Hosting a party, joining a group hike or having dinner out can help someone meet new people and bond with others.
Attend a wellness retreat
Chan recommended spending the holidays at a retreat center.
“From yoga to personal development retreats, the great thing about a retreat is that there’s daily programming and usually group meals and activities. If personal reflection and cultivating inner peace is more your jam, you can opt for a seven-day vipassana silent retreat,” Chan said.
