Being alone over the holidays can be difficult but you do not have to be lonely. There are many ways to thrive and find joy through the holiday season.

Here are some suggestions to move well through the break:

1. Stay connected – Reach out to people via phone calls, video chats, or social media.
2. Treat yourself – Pamper yourself and enjoy some self-care time. You can cook, bake treats, watch a movie, binge a whole series, read or listen to music.
3. Do what makes you feel content.
4. Volunteer. You can really make a difference for others and find a real sense of purpose by helping others. The Breakfast Club and Encircle Neighbourhood Centres often need volunteers to pack hampers, delivering food or other jobs they may have during this time.
5. Learn something new – You can use this time to explore your curiosity and expand your skills with an online course or use the time to reflect and create a plan with actions and outcomes you would like to achieve during the new year.
6. Seek support – If you feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, you are not alone. You can reach out to a professional counsellor, like me, to understand the many feelings loneliness and isolation create. If you would like to talk further about being alone over the holidays, please contact me on 0487 844 603. You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 as they offer 24/7 support right through the break.

Being alone over the holidays can be an opportunity to reset and enjoy your own company. Remember, there is no ‘proper’ way to spend the break, it is completely up to you!

I hope you have a safe holiday season and find true mental wellbeing during 2024.

Regards, Tanya