In a room buzzing with laughter and festive cheer, Tai felt an unspoken void despite the lively atmosphere. Zu, sensing their contemplative state, approached.
Join us as we delve into the nuances of loneliness, exploring its nature, questioning whether solitude equals loneliness, and discovering ways to navigate this emotion, particularly when it looms larger during festive seasons.
While the feelings of loneliness could stem from the lack of a stable and reliable support system around you - loneliness like any other feeling is a state of mind which does not depend on having or not having people around you.
The feeling of loneliness is a deep sense of disconnection and lacking in meaningful and supportive companionship.
Alone is not equal to loneliness!
Loneliness is more complicated than it may seem. For some of us it may surface more than others and bring up heavier feelings along with it. Think of loneliness like a CLOUD 🌫️ - which keep on becoming bigger and denser with other feelings coming up with it!
When you carry this cloud around, it may make you feel more disconnected from people around you - bringing feelings of self doubt and hopelessness. You may end up getting thoughts like “I can never make friends”, “People don’t like me” “I don’t think I am good enough for others”.
But if being around people doesn’t help - what can you do to manage loneliness?
Let’s look at 4 practical yet effective ways of working with loneliness -
Connect with yourself - Cultivate a deeper connection with yourself; spend quality time in self-reflection and self-care. Nurture the relationship with the most important person in your life – you.
Practice Self-Compassion: It's okay to feel lonely. Allow yourself to acknowledge these emotions without judgement. Be kind to yourself and speak to yourself as you’d speak to a friend.
Find your tribe! - Seek meaningful connections with individuals who resonate with your values and interests, both online and offline. Explore online communities, forums, and social platforms where like-minded souls gather, creating opportunities to build a supportive tribe.
There is no perfect friend - Let go of the idea of a perfect companionship. Release the notion of an ideal relationship. Managing expectations and embracing imperfections in yourself and others leads to more authentic connections and alleviates chronic loneliness.
Loneliness can feel particularly overwhelming during the festive season, a time when warmth and cheer surround us. For some, this solitude may arise from physical separation from family, creating a void that even the brightest lights of the season struggle to fill. Others may find themselves caught in the paradox of social expectations, pressured into the festivities of partying, socialising, and capturing picture-perfect moments. In both scenarios, and countless others, the pervasive feelings of isolation and loneliness can become unwelcome companions through the holiday season.
Use the bingo to beat the festive blues —it's a fun map to find joy during lonely times. Let the bingo lead you to a cosy holiday celebration that feels right for you!
If you are navigating feelings of loneliness during festive times, away from home, you are not alone! Many others share similar sentiments. If feelings of loneliness persist and weigh heavily on your mental well-being, consider seeking professional support. Professional therapists can provide guidance and strategies to navigate these emotions.