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09 December 2024

Seven tips to help tackle loneliness during the festive period

Christmas can be a particularly lonely and isolating time of year for many people. With adverts showing big family get togethers and social media feeds alive with pictures of friends celebrating, it can be hard not to feel like you’re missing out on something if your social calendar doesn’t scream get togethers and happy moments. While adverts and social media feeds don’t always reflect the reality for many, it can be a particularly isolating time, and for lots of people being surrounded by others can still make you feel lonely if you don’t feel as though you have a connection with the people around you.

Every day at Shout, people text us about feelings of loneliness; it’s one of the main reasons people contact us. It can be overwhelming to feel this way but you don’t have to face it on your own.

Here are some tips for things you can try to boost your mental wellbeing and seek connection with others if you find yourself feeling lonely:

1. Try not to compare yourself to others

It can be incredibly difficult not to look at what other people are doing, particularly on social media and feel like you aren’t doing enough, but it’s important to remember that most of the time what we see of other people’s lives on social media is just a snapshot of the bigger picture. During the festive season particularly, you might want to take a break from scrolling on social media if you notice it doesn’t make you feel good. Checking in with your mindset and your own wellbeing and practising gratitude every day can help to stave off thoughts and feelings of comparison.

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2. Spend time outdoors

A simple thing such as getting outside for a few minutes each day, particularly while it’s light, can help boost your mood and help combat feelings of loneliness. You could try saying hello to people as you pass them, make conversation with someone in a coffee shop, or use a walk as an excuse to reconnect with a friend and give them a call or leave a voice note. Spending time in a busy place outdoors can help to stave off feelings of loneliness.

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3. Listen to a podcast

When we listen to podcasts or audio books with characters or people in conversation, it can help us to feel part of it too. We might relate to what they are saying, or find escapism in a character’s story.

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4. Send someone a message

While social media can be a tool for comparison, it can also be a tool for connecting with others too. Try sending a friend or family member a text or a message, check in and ask what’s been going on in their lives recently. A lot of the time when we let other people know how we're feeling, it can open up the start of a meaningful conversation about how we really are. You might find you're not the only person feeling alone.

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5. Set expectations of the festive season

Think you should be having the best time ever because that’s what people do at Christmas? Absolutely not. There is no rulebook for how we should feel over the festive season, and the expectation that you should be full of joy is unrealistic for so many people. How you’re feeling isn’t going to change because it’s Christmas, if anything it can be exacerbated. Setting expectations early on about this time of year can help to manage them and remind you that it doesn’t have to be perfect.

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6. Take part in a group activity or hobby

Taking time to do things that bring us joy with others can give us a much needed mood boost, and being involved in a community with people who are into the same things as you can help foster connectivity. You might find a book club, running club or even join a choir (singing is a particularly powerful tool for elevating our mood), or you might try volunteering and supporting others who are feeling lonely at this time of year.

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7. Seek support if you need it

It’s important to remember that if you’re feeling lonely, you aren’t alone. There are so many people who will understand and have felt the same way at different times in their lives, sometimes just saying how we feel to others can start a conversation that makes us realise we aren’t the only ones feeling a certain way. If you’re struggling with your thoughts and feelings, our Shout Volunteers are here to help. You can text ‘Shout’ to 85258, any time day or night to start a conversation, or if you're under 25, The Mix is available with digital support and resources.

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