November – December 2016 Health Magazine | The most acclaimed HEALTH & LIFESTYLE magazine in the region

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They say the holidays
are the happiest
time of the year. But
unfortunately for many,
this is far from the
truth. As people quietly
grieve within while
experiencing “FOMO”
– the fear of missing
out – people alone tend
to experience forms of
depression. However,
HEALTH learns that
now is the time to
shift our perspective
on what the holiday
season means with the
following tips.
Set realistic
expectations: Adjust
your philosophy on what the
holiday season means for
you. By removing unrealistic
expectations, one frees
themselves of anxiety, stress,
and even depression. Take
this time to be of service to
someone else who may be
less fortunate than you are.
Feed the homeless or become
involved in your place of
worship’s holiday festivities
to help shift your mindset
of being alone during the
holidays. It’s important
to remember: you are not
defined by how you spend
your holiday season. Nor are
you defined by the quality or
quantity of the gifts society
says one should receive.
Create an
“alternative”
family: Often, friends
become more close than
family; and when they
do, create that new family
bond. Reach out to those who
equally may be alone or don’t
have any plans. Create new
experiences and traditions by
planning events or outings with
them. If you don’t have this
circle of friends, reach out to
colleagues or other associates
that wouldn’t mind inviting you
to their festivities.
Travel: Take the end of
the year holiday season as
the designated time to travel
abroad. Fill your calendar with
places to go, things to do, and
people to see. View the world
as being a phenomenal place
and expand your horizons with
experiences that can make you
excited and even more grateful
that you’re able to enjoy life.
Written by:
Alexis Nicole White, Author
and Relationship expert Visit:
for more details.
WAYS TO
COPE ALONE THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON
27
Nov/Dec 2016