Navigating Breakups & Loneliness During the Holiday Season
- alteregowellness
- Dec 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 26
The holiday season—a time painted with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and the illusion of perfect togetherness—can feel incredibly isolating if you're navigating a breakup or experiencing loneliness. It’s as if the entire world is celebrating while you’re struggling to hold it together.
First, let me remind you of this: you are not alone in feeling this way. The holidays can be one of the most challenging times for anyone going through heartache or facing the empty spaces that come with loneliness. But, with mindful strategies, a little self-compassion, and intentional care, you can make it through this season feeling empowered rather than defeated.
1. Allow Yourself to Grieve
Breakups are, at their core, a loss. Whether it’s losing the relationship itself, the dreams you had for the future, or simply a routine that brought comfort—these feelings need to be processed. Loneliness may amplify this grief because the holidays often highlight what (or who) is missing.
Don’t bottle it up. Allow yourself to cry, to write, to feel. You don’t need to fake a smile for the world’s sake.
Be patient with yourself. Healing is not linear, and it’s okay to have bad days. Grief doesn’t vanish because the calendar hits December.
Find a safe outlet. Journaling, talking to a friend, or seeking therapy can help you process the emotions bubbling under the surface.
2. Redefine “Holiday Cheer” on Your Own Terms
The holidays don’t have to look like a Hallmark movie. While societal norms may push big family dinners or romanticized moments, remember: you are allowed to create your own traditions.
Start a solo holiday ritual. Bake cookies while blasting your favourite music, have a movie marathon in your pajamas, or take a day trip somewhere new.
Focus on joy, not perfection. This is not about creating picture-perfect moments for social media. It's about what brings you comfort.
Lean into something you love. Whether it’s reading, painting, yoga, or video games—immerse yourself in hobbies that bring peace and distraction.
Ask yourself: What would make this season feel fulfilling for me? Start small and honor your needs.
3. Connect in Meaningful Ways
Loneliness thrives in silence. Even if reaching out feels hard, connection—no matter how small—can help soften the edges of your pain.
Lean on trusted friends and family. Share your feelings. Sometimes admitting, “I’m not doing okay this holiday season,” is enough to remind you of the support you have.
Find or create community. Attend holiday markets, yoga classes, or workshops. Virtual events or volunteering can also help connect you to like-minded people.
Join online or in-person support groups. You’d be surprised how many people share similar feelings this time of year. There’s power in knowing you’re not alone.
4. Prioritize Self-Care and Mindful Movement
Taking care of your body and mind can ground you when emotions feel overwhelming.
Move your body. Whether it’s yoga, walking outside, or dancing to your favourite playlist—movement releases endorphins and reduces stress.
Nourish yourself. Cook yourself a special meal, take long baths, or enjoy cozy moments with tea and a blanket.
Explore mindfulness. Practices like meditation, breathwork, or journaling can help you process emotions and create space for self-compassion.
If you need structure, a 20:20:20 wellness hour (20 minutes for body, mind, and spirit) can help you carve out intentional time for healing.
5. Avoid the Comparison Trap
The highlight reels on social media can make it feel like everyone is living their best life. In reality, that’s far from true.
Take a social media detox. If scrolling makes you feel worse, step away. You don’t need to see perfectly posed family photos or couples’ vacations.
Focus on your journey. Healing takes time. You’re allowed to be exactly where you are right now without comparing it to someone else’s timeline.
Remember: People post their best moments, not their hardest struggles.
6. Reframe Loneliness as Solitude
This one can feel challenging, but it’s powerful. Solitude is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, to hear your own thoughts, and to nurture your relationship with you.
Get curious. Who are you when you’re not in a relationship? What passions, dreams, or interests have you put on hold?
Embrace “me time.” Treat yourself the way you’d treat someone you love—take yourself on dates, explore hobbies, and celebrate small wins.
Build a foundation of self-worth. Remind yourself that being single or alone does not mean you are less valuable, lovable, or whole.
7. Plan for What’s Next
When the holidays end, the weight of loneliness may still linger. This is a perfect time to reflect and begin envisioning the next chapter.
Set small goals. What’s something you want to explore or work toward in the new year? Break it down into actionable steps.
Create a vision for yourself. Use a vision board or journaling prompts to outline what brings you joy, purpose, and growth.
Seek support if needed. Life coaches, therapists, or trusted mentors can help you navigate this transition with clarity and care.
Final Thoughts: You Will Get Through This
Navigating a breakup or feeling lonely during the holiday season is incredibly difficult, but it doesn’t mean you’re broken or unworthy of love and connection. Your pain is valid, and so is your resilience.
Give yourself permission to feel, to heal, and to discover a sense of peace within this season—even if it looks nothing like the holidays of the past.
You are strong. You are loved. And this is just one chapter, not your entire story.
Take it one day, one moment at a time. ✨
Cathryn Benjamin
Mindset & Life Coach | Yoga Teacher | Wellness Advocate
Follow me on Instagram for tips on living authentically, embracing wellness, and fostering a positive mindset.
If you're feeling alone this holiday season and need support, reach out to loved ones, professionals, or a trusted community. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
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