Excerpt:
In moments of high anxiety—say, a global pandemic and a turbulent political climate—people react in two ways. They either retreat, ignoring the issue and redirecting their attention; or they stay and fight, giving it everything they have. This holiday season, neither of these responses is ideal to mentally prep you for a lonely experience.
Instead, psychologist in Los Angeles Dr. Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D., recommends a different approach: adapting. This is a healthy approach since it forces you to accept that everything right now is out of your control, and thus, you need to reconfigure ways to have some normalcy still.
“Being able to adapt to the idea of spending the holidays alone due to the pandemic can free you to find different ways to celebrate the holidays still even if not in person with loved ones,” she continues. “Not only can you try to uphold holiday-time traditions as much as possible, but you can also get creative in finding other ways to feel joy even if you are physically alone.”
Maybe that looks like ordering everything your tummy desires from your local Chinese restaurant and downing a bottle of vino. Or, it’s sleeping in until 11 a.m., doing yoga and meditation, followed by virtual coffee dates with your friends and family. There’s no ‘right’ way to spend this time, so take time to think deeply about what would make you the happiest.
Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D is a Psychologist in Los Angeles. To read the full article “A Mental Health Guide To Spending The Holidays Alone” visit bloodandmilk.com