Dealing With Separation Over the Holidays

The holidays can be a joyous occasion or a lonely occasion depending on your situation. For those who are undergoing or have already undergone a separation, the holidays this year may be quite challenging. Adjusting to life without your long-term partner is hard enough on its own, but things seem to feel even lonelier over the holiday season. Here are five ways you can help yourself deal with your separation over the holidays.

Spend Your Free Time With Your Family

Your family should always be your strongest supporters when it comes to surviving a separation, so turn to them for support and company when the days start to feel a little lonely. This could be time to reconnect with siblings or to establish a closer relationship with your parents. You can also grow closer with the family you choose: your friends. Wherever your family is, make the effort to have them be a big part of your life.

Volunteer

The holiday season brings many things, including the need for good-hearted people to volunteer their time. Whether it be at a soup kitchen or at a toy drive, volunteering can help you take your mind off of your own loneliness and focus on helping others who truly need a hand.

Join a Club

Look around your neighbourhood for different clubs that may be going on. A book club, or a fitness class, or perhaps even an art class are all great places to meet people who share your same passion and can help pass the time in good company.

Do Not Drown Your Sorrows

Sometimes the desire to blur out your feelings can lead you to a dangerous place. These options never yield good results and can destroy the happiness of the holiday season. Find joy and peace elsewhere, not in ways that are harmful to yourself. If alcohol or substances are causing you trouble, please reach out to your doctor or support groups.

Write Your Feelings Down

It is absolutely natural to be overwhelmed with your emotions the first holiday season after a separation, sometimes it can be almost too much to handle. A safe outlet for your feelings is a journal. Vent out your frustrations, your hardships, and your feelings with pen and paper. It will feel good to purge yourself of the negative thoughts and feelings surrounding your separation, leaving yourself open to happiness and joy. You may also find it helpful to speak with a counsellor or therapist.Â

Do not let the holidays be ruined by a separation. There is joy to be found, all you have to do is be open to finding it.