Feeling good is in your hands
This Christmas it's your turn to spend away from home and not by choice. You know you're going to miss your loved ones, and you fantasize about open the door of the house by surprise, as in that mythical advertisement for nougat. what can you do to don't let yourself be overcome by unease , or what is the same: the Christmas Blues ?
This is the name given to the sadness that attacks us due to one or a set of factors related to these dates. For example, by perceiving that you don't have enough money to live them as we want, or for the stress that accumulates due to the large number of commitments and the need to please everyone. But, in addition, a very important cause of it is the feel alone
According to PsychCentral , the largest and longest database on mental health on the internet, both loneliness physics like pity for those who are no longer and the estrangement of relatives - for example, due to a fight in the past - contribute to us feeling the Christmas Blues. It becomes especially hard if, in addition to feeling depressed, we compare our situation with which others live -for example, with those who are at home with their own-, or with which we believe it is 'the ideal' -basically, the one that Hollywood has sold us-.
This time, you'll get over the 'Christmas Blues'
SPEND IT WITH STRANGERS
In order not to let ourselves be overcome by this feeling of sorrow, we consulted the psychologist Begona Albalat : "Christmas is a time of year that we have closely associated with the warmth of home and family . Spending it away from home is, in general, a moment of nostalgia and loneliness. It's funny, because if we're away from family, it's because we have one, so we know that We are not alone , but still, the distance makes us feel this".
Therefore, both according to Darlene Lancer, therapist who writes for Psych Central and author of books like Conquering grief and co-dependency, as for Albalat, the best thing is that do not drowsy or shut yourself up: in case you have the chance to spend it with someone, even if that someone is just a known from the office and you get a little lazy, do it!
"If we have the opportunity, it is always better go out and celebrate even if it's with people we don't know very well or who aren't our family. Many people live far from home and celebrate it with friends who have the same circumstance, people from work, neighbors, etc. Today, with new technologies, it is easy to find a way to meet people who are in the same situation and looking for others to go out to dinner with on nights like this. In the end, a more or less large group is formed, and it can be interesting to spend a different christmas ".
Lancet adds that you can also volunteer during the indicated dates, which can be "inspiring and rewarding". And, if you feel it is necessary, before joining the rest, you can also give yourself some time alone to reflect and be sad , well " not express your feelings could lead you to suffer depression ".
Celebrating with unexpected people can be a very good idea
**SPEND IT ALONE (AND HAPPY!) **
But what if dating doesn't come up? "Another thing that I usually recommend for those who perhaps have only been there for a short time and have not yet had the opportunity to meet people, or are more introverted, is 'celebrate it with oneself'. Let me explain: being alone is being with oneself, and one way to celebrate is do something we don't usually do usually: 'give each other a tribute' and, for example, cook your favorite dinner, which implies going to make a special purchase and look for the best site with the best product , etc. And after dinner watch a movie you love , or that you haven't seen for a long time, or prepare a bathroom listening to music you like... In short, spend time taking care of yourself and do those kinds of things that we normally don't take the time to do," advises Albalat.
Cooking something special can be a good option
But above all: do not despair Furthermore, change your perspective and Enjoy this unique moment! "The most important thing is always take it as an opportunity to do something different, see it as a year in which you are going to do something different, in which you are going to be able to see how the same festival is celebrated in another place and how people experience it there. It is an occasion for learn and have a unique experience, because at home you already know what it's like, and I'm sure you're going to experience many more Christmases with your family... but this will be unique and special ".
Take it with philosophy and enjoy!