How do you deal with loneliness during the holidays?

The Christmas and New Year holidays, for example, are an especially difficult time for people who are lonely, says Anna Bennich. Many people gather with family and friends, and the involuntary loneliness can become more apparent. Below, she offers her best advice on how to deal with loneliness during the Christmas season.

Forget about Christmas and make yourself comfortable

One tip is to think about how you can take care of yourself in the best way possible – and maybe even forget about Christmas as much as possible if it feels too heavy.

You can buy some good food that may not be Christmas food and do something else with your evening.

“How would you advise your best friend, for example? You would say: Buy your favorite chocolate, watch your favorite series, take a bath, and light some candles. Make sure to make it cozy at home.”

Make a phone call

If you just want to hear a voice, you can call a relative and wish them a Merry Christmas if possible.

Bennich says that many people also call people on duty just to have someone to say goodnight to.

“If you’re feeling really bad, there are helplines that are open extra hours over the Christmas holiday.

Volunteer work at Christmas

Another tip for people who are alone during Christmas is to get involved as a volunteer. Christmas can be a difficult time for homeless people, for example, and there are several organizations that need an extra hand.

“Not only does it feel good to do things for other people, but you also have a purpose in what you are doing. Then you go out to help with something, not just because you are lonely. It is also an opportunity to meet other people and exchange a few words.

Break the silence

It can be good to try to find something that breaks the silence.

You can go to church. You don’t have to be a believer to be there; you can just go and look around for a while, have a cup of coffee, and listen to some music.

Consider taking a break from social media during Christmas

Putting down your phone on Christmas Eve may be a good idea if cheerful Christmas updates on social media make you feel more lonely.

– Research shows that if you participate in social media passively, i.e. if you go on Instagram and Facebook and scroll through all the happy people, many people tend to feel worse afterwards.

On the other hand, social media can have a positive effect if you participate more actively. Perhaps you have already found a fun forum to hang out in during Christmas.