Written by: Rita Hurry, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
A different type of Christmas.
Due to the pandemic this year, many will be celebrating Christmas differently. Some will have fewer family members at the dinner table, but it may be a Christmas for one for some. This may be a welcome change for some, who will enjoy some quiet time alone, but for others, this could lead to the feeling of loneliness.
What can instigate that feeling of loneliness?
Many things could instigate the feeling, the main being what society promotes as the ‘ideal Christmas’ in the media. Christmas is always promoted as a time for lots of people to be together, celebrating the festivities, and if that isn’t enough, couples getting together and celebrating. It is never portrayed as one person enjoying the festivities at home on their own. This ignites that presumed feeling of loneliness before the actual big day, which can create anxiety.
Another instigator is spending too much time on Social Media platforms and scrolling through the so-called ‘perfect happy lives’ you see on your newsfeed and believing that everyone has someone at Christmas, apart from you.
All this can lead someone to become sad and anxious and eventually lead to depression, as that feeling of loneliness takes over.
So what can you do to combat this?
Mindset
Your mindset is your number one go-to tool during times like this. You have every right to enjoy Christmas, just as much as those spending it with others. It should not take away the joy that this festive period can bring just because you are on your own.
Think about it – you can eat what you want, when you want. You can get up later if you choose. You can binge-watch all the TV programs you want or switch off the TV altogether and listen to music instead. You can dance around your house/apartment and stay in your place. You don’t have to answer to anyone and avoid any awkward questioning. It can be a joyful day to just enjoy being you and enjoying your own company.
To get to this point, though, you need to steer your focus off what society or social media portray the ideal Christmas day to be and create your own. Christmas can be anything you want it to be, and if it is that time of year where you get to have a ‘self-care’ day…do it.
How you perceive your reality is important here. Step away from the expectations and focus on the good things you have gained so far this year, and recognize that Christmas is no exception. Yes, it may be the first time you are spending Christmas on your own due to the pandemic, but focus on the fact that you have a roof over your head, food to eat, clothes on your back, and a comfy bed you can fall into any time you decide to take a nap.
By taking your focus off the circumstance and onto the small, simple pleasures of life and the things you are grateful for, you will find that before you know it…Christmas and the festivities will be over. Remember, it’s just one day out of all the 365 days of the year.
But for those of you who find it difficult to re-focus your mind, there are many helplines, including the Samaritans, who are always at the end of the phone for you to talk to if close friends and relatives are not available.
Another option is to gather everyone around the Zoom Virtual Platform and have a good catch up virtually. If it works for businesses and team meetings, why not make it work for Christmas gatherings.
Rita Hurry, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Coach Rita Hurry is an Entertainment Spiritual Coach focusing on the balance of Body, Mind and Spirit, which is the foundation to success. Coach Rita Hurry specializes in the following: Law of Attraction, Meditation, Energy Healing and Breathwork.
She has been coaching for over 17 years and her clients include – Casting Agents, Musicians, Music Producers, Writers, Artists, Actors, Singers as well as Business Owners, CEO’s, Entrepreneurs and other Professionals. Her clients are based all over the globe.
She also is a published author and has 2 books based on the Law of Attraction principals available on Amazon.
Along with the spiritual work she does, Coach Rita also co-owns RIME Entertainment Limited and is a co-presenter and co-producer of an online interview show, RIME Entertainment Showcase, where both her sister and her interview various talents in the Arts and Entertainment industry, sharing their journey and inspiring others to never give up on their dreams.
Coach Rita’s mission is to help everyone to Think Big and Make the impossible… I’m Possible.
