How to Beat Isolation this Holiday Season
By, Emma Pautler
When you think about the holidays, you think about family, friends, and catching up on your reading list. It’s a time filled with community and gatherings and all the warm fuzzy feels.
But this holiday season is going to be … different. So it’s likely that loneliness and sadness will creep in. In fact, since the pandemic began, peoples’ overall mental health has been significantly more fragile. People who never struggle with anxiety, depression, or fear are experiencing these feelings for the first time, and it’s really hard.
If this sounds like you, then you might be feeling trepidation going into the holiday season rather than the usual excitement you feel. We’re here to tell you two things …
What you’re feeling is understandable and valid.
It doesn’t have to be so hard.
There are actually ways to connect and experience community, even in this challenging time of social distancing. In this article, we’re sharing four ways to beat isolation this holiday season.
1. CALL A FRIEND
One crazy part about the pandemic is that for the first time, we’re all experiencing the same hardship. That means your friends, relatives, and coworkers know what you’re going through because they’re experiencing the same thing. Although the nuances and responses to the situation might vary, the big-picture is the same. And there’s comfort in that.
This holiday season, pick up the phone to talk to someone you care about. Ask how they are and share how you’re doing. You might even ask them what they’re doing to beat isolation. You’ll feel comforted that someone can empathize with you and maybe even learn some strategies other people are using to feel at peace during these trying times.
2. ATTEND A VIRTUAL EVENT
You might think events aren’t happening at all, but they actually are! They’re just virtual. Virtual events are a great way to connect with people in your industry or who have similar interests. It’s a way to expand your circle and meet new people in a time when meeting people feels pretty impossible.
Consider attending a virtual speed networking event. In our monthly newsletter, we share information about upcoming virtual events for young professionals in your area online. If you’re not signed up for our newsletter, sign up here.
It might feel scary to put yourself out there at first (and that’s totally normal)! But the connection you’ll experience is so worth the initial nerves.
3. LEAN INTO TRADITIONS
Traditions are a great way to feel just a little bit normal in the middle of all the weirdness. Whether you have old traditions you’ve been doing for years or new ones you want to start, try to make traditions a part of your holiday this year.
Think about the things you normally do during the holidays. Do you want to host a New Years’ party? Try a virtual party instead. Do you usually walk around and look at lights? Try driving around instead. These little adjustments will give you the feeling of traditions with a few small adaptations to stay safe.
4. ASK FOR HELP
If you’re experiencing struggles with mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trusted friends, close family, or reliable people in your community are there and willing to listen. And they’ll help the hard season feel a little less hard.
If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish. An experienced professional will be able to get you the support you need.
The holidays are especially hard right now. But you don’t have to feel alone. When you tap into one of these resources, you’ll begin to feel small sighs of relief and get some sense of “normal” back.
We at the MILLSUMMIT are here for you. And we’ll be here once the pandemic ends. We can’t wait to spend time together in person, but until then, we’ll “see” you virtually.