10 INVALUABLE WAYS TO EMBRACE LONELINESS AT EASTER

Easter can be a tough time.  Easter is a holiday period that often provides days off but with less activities than what is organized and available at Christmas.  Some of you may be required to work right through?

Colleagues and acquaintances may have gone travelling on exotic enviable holidays, or busy with their families?  Single parents whose children are off with former spouses can feel emptiness as well.   The loss of a partner may feel particularly acute.  As the weather becomes cooler it may that bit harder to be motivated to go out. 

In an increasing individualistic society, it can be relaxing and positive to have real “down time” in a world filled with constant contact through smart phones, e-mail and social media.  It can also lead to feelings of loneliness.

Some find themselves in difficult family situations over the extended holiday time.  There is an emphasis on family, friends and chocolate gifts on TV that may simply reinforce what we might be missing.

Loneliness is a real problem and we need to be aware of it

1. Be your best company.  Don’t be ashamed to be alone to enjoy something indulgent that you wouldn’t normally experience on your own.
2. Work out what is the major trigger for loneliness during this holiday time. Do you suffer from social anxiety or grief over loss of expectations?
3. Symptoms of depression can be excruciating but also a forced time of personal growth. Use your solitude for learning from inspiring biographical, spiritual or personal development books. Why not vigorously clean the house whilst listening to thought leaders on podcasts? Two great outcomes there – a sparkling orderly house and new knowledge!
4. Respond to last minute calls for help such as Volunteering organisations that assist the elderly, homeless or animal shelters? 
5. Show genuine interest in others at the store, the beach or the gym to overlook your own sadness. Meet your needs through helping others in the smallest ways. Visit people you don’t know. Step out of your comfort zone and deliver some packaged chocolates to a home for the elderly, a hospital – just call and arrange it first!
6. Avoid overindulging which is sure to result in heightening your dissatisfaction.  Alcohol will only  fuel mood instability and affect your quality of sleep. Reduce your exposure to the perceived amazing life of others on social media as that’s guaranteed to make life worse.
7. Exercise is not only good for you, but who knows who you might meet playing sport, out walking in Buderim Falls or running along the esplanade?
8. The significance of Easter can be an uplifting experience amongst a Church community so a great time to join in and connect.
9. Call someone and say hello yourself.  It can make a real difference!
10. Do you fear being vulnerable, rejected or judged?  Some of the most successful and prolific contributors to history were rejected countless times and rose to incredible heights!  Jesus and The Beatles are just two!

 
Joanne Wilson is the weekly columnist for the Sunshine Coast Daily Weekend magazine, weekly radio guest, professional relationship counsellor and certified neuropsychotherapy practitioner of TheConfidante Counselling. She is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland - Australia. You can contact her at: www.theconfidantecounselling.com or email HERE.