How to deal with loneliness this holiday season

The festive season is almost here, and that is the time when close family members and friends come together to celebrate. On the flip side of this, some people will not be able to enjoy the festive season with loved ones for various reasons. That can put a damper on a person’s spirit, making them feel lonelier than they would feel on normal days throughout the year.

There is no shame in celebrating the holidays a little bit differently from most people around the world. There are a few things that one can do this festive season to curb any feeling of loneliness, and enjoy their holidays without feeling left out from all the excitement.

Trying something new will make your holiday feel special and memorable, because that new experience will always be tied to that particular moment. Whether its zip lining, a professional photo-shoot, going on a hike or even knitting. Keep yourself occupied with a new exciting activity that you’ve never tried before, or rarely get time to do.

The Christmas season is typically a period of giving. If you’ll be by yourself during this season, treat yourself to something new. You don’t have to blow the bank with extravagant gifts, simply stick to a budget that matches your financial situation. You could buy a new pair of shoes, upgrade your phone, or get sexy, new underwear. Retail therapy, in moderation, isn’t bad after all!

You’ve probably been hustling and grinding all year, barely taking time out to pamper yourself. Use your free time this holiday season to pamper yourself, and you don’t even have to leave your house to do this. You can light a few scented candles in aromas that will make your house smell like a spa, take a long bubble bath, do a body scrub, facial mask or paint your nails. Doing this by yourself will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Binge watch all your favourite shows and movies; you’ve probably already missed a couple of episodes thanks to your busy schedule. Subscribe to a streaming service, close your curtains, turn off the lights, grab a few snacks and slump yourself on your couch or bed. This is one of those things that you don’t get to do as much throughout the year, so now is the time.

A staycation is a holiday spent in your home country. There is so much to see and do in Nairobi, let alone the rest of Kenya. Depending on your financial situation, visit a local tourist destination alone for at least one night. Having a change of environment will clear your mind, and make you feel less lonely than you would have felt locked up in your house all day.

Besides treating yourself to your retail therapy pleasures, share your blessings with the less fortunate. You can share your time, food, clothing or stationery with a few people who won’t be receiving, or cannot afford, gifts this holiday season. You will feel so much better about yourself when you put a smile on another person’s face.