GRIEF & LONELINESS
The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but they can also be a time of heightened grief and
loneliness. If you feel down, you can do a few things to try and cope and keep your spirits bright.
Less Stress
• Acknowledge your feelings. Acknowledge your
feelings—whatever they are. Give yourself grace, and
remember the holidays don't have to be perfect.
• Set boundaries. It's up to you to decide where you put
your energy and time. If something will be too much,
opt out.
• Form coping skills. Identify healthy coping skills before
the season begins (reading, journaling, exercising, etc.).
When you're feeling down, you'll know what to do.
More Joy
• Create new traditions. If old traditions are too painful,
make new ones. New traditions won't invalidate or
erase old ones.
• Stay connected. Although you may want to, you
shouldn't isolate yourself completely. Stay in touch with
people so you can still feel connected. Even a quick
chat can alleviate feelings of stress and emptiness.
• Give back. Supporting a cause you believe in and
volunteering are wonderful ways to overcome the
loneliness of the holidays, take the focus off yourself,
and ease negative emotions.
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