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Alone at Christmas

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While the Christmas holiday is traditionally a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, Relationships Australia is reminding people that Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year for some people.

A recent survey conducted by Relationships Australia, discovered that up to 15% of the country reported frequently feeling lonely.

Relationships Australia Executive Director of Practice, Samantha Aldridge said,
“Christmas time can be a wonderful, joyful time of the year for many and it can be a painful
reminder of what some people no longer have. Many parents will experience their first Christmas away from their children or partner due to separation or divorce, some people are recently
widowed or in general isolation from their family and friends due to work circumstances”.

“Furthermore, this past year has been a tough one for many Queensland families. Natural
disasters earlier this year and the ongoing affects of the global financial crisis, has had an
impact on family relationships.”

“Christmas is a nice reminder to be grateful for the people you cherish in your life, and a time to be kind to the people around you who are not so fortunate, or may be feeling a little down and lonely.”

Tips for those alone at Christmas

  • If you are lonely, show up where people are. Invite close friends to be with you. Ask a friend to help you donate toys/clothing to various charities. Volunteer to help prepare and serve food at a local community centre.
  • Exercise and keep those endorphins (the chemical in our brain that makes us happy) pumping.
  • Choose HEALTHY food. Pick food that will stabilise your blood sugar not send you on a sugar craze.
  • Decorate your house or apartment, do it for YOU.
  • If visits from certain people during the holidays in the past have affected you in a negative way, assert yourself. Let them know, “no, but thanks for asking”. You don’t have to make excuses or defend yourself. They may expect you to give an excuse, but you don’t have to.
  • Practice gratitude. Be thankful for all the things you DO have and avoid focusing on what you lack. Make a list.
  • If you have children or loved ones who come to visit, do your best to create an atmosphere that focuses on “doing” rather than “having”. Plan holiday activities; make your own holiday decorations.
  • Read a good book; one that will help you focus on being the best person you can be and help you understand that the only relationship you have total responsibility for is the one you have with yourself.
  • Have your “First annual Xmas” feast for other single friends. Make sure everyone gets involved so that you are not doing all the work. Have them bring their favourite dish to share.
  • Visit a nursing home. Statistics show that many elderly people are often forgotten during the holidays. Your visit will ALWAYS be appreciated.
  • Avoid alcohol and party drugs. If you are already feeling down, alcohol depletes the brain of serotonin, a chemical it needs to maintain a normal mood.
  • Don’t depend on someone else to make your season bright. You alone must do whatever it takes to do that.

 

For information about Relationships Austalia or to make an appointment please call 1300 364 277 or visit www.raq.org.au

Media Contact
Rebecca Cook
Marketing Manager
Relationships Australia
rcook@relateqld.com.au
0448563458

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