Ways to Enjoy Your Single Status During the Holidays
Holiday expectations can bring pressure and loneliness for people without partners. If you are feeling blue this holiday season, learn how to celebrate being single.
Renew your individual purpose. Because the holiday season comes at the end of the year, it's a great time to get a jump on your New Year's resolutions. Leverage your single status to get things done, set new goals and engage in the things you love.
Consider taking a trip. If you won't be visiting relatives for the holidays, consider planning a trip with a friend or by yourself. This can be an especially good idea for recently divorced singles, who may benefit from getting away from homes filled with photos and memories.
Volunteer. If you find yourself feeling blue as the holiday season approaches, consider giving back. Volunteering can decrease symptoms of depression and stress, while improving self-esteem and overall well-being. You will also have the chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people.
Change your perspective. Being single isn't something to feel bad about. In fact, it actually comes with some very real benefits. For one, you aren't tied down or stuck in an unhappy relationship. You also have the ability to travel, chase your dreams and pursue your personal interests. This holiday season, embrace your individualism instead of your relationship status. Remember that being a part of a couple won't automatically make you a better person.
Band together. If you have a friend who is also single, consider making plans to spend time together during the holidays. You can share your feelings and frustrations, while enjoying a nice distraction from all the traditional holiday pressures.
Get out more. Many times, when people feel lonely, they tend to isolate themselves within their homes. Unfortunately, this can perpetuate negative emotions and make us feel even worse. Get out of the house as much as possible, even if it only means grabbing a cup of coffee at a busy cafe. We usually feel better when we are around more people, even if we don't interact.
Don't compare. As the old saying goes, “comparison is the thief of joy.” While other people's lives might appear to be perfect, they usually have hidden issues you know nothing about. Remember that - while you may have a strong desire for a relationship and family - there are negatives that come along with both.
Embrace impermanence. Some single people live under the constant fear that they will be alone forever. In reality, since every phase of life is transitory, it makes little sense to waste time projecting about the future. Remember that you are unlikely to be single for as long as you think. You are also likely to look back on your single days with a certain amount of nostalgia at some point in the future. Try to view your situation as temporary, and take advantage of fleeting opportunities, while you are still unencumbered by obligations.
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