Feeling Isolated AF Over the Holidays?

Hi guys. I’ve been having a very bad case of homesickness lately with the holidays coming around. I want nothing more than to be 3 glasses of cab sav deep in an ugly Christmas sweater surrounded by all of my best friends and family. But of course when you’re on the other side of the world for 9 more months, that’s just not doable.

I’ve been trying hard to beat the blues, and thought hey, if I’m struggling with this maybe someone else is to, so let’s make some content! Today’s post is going to be how I’m beating the feeling of loneliness this Christmas. Because honestly the holidays can be lonely and sad for a lot of people, not just people living abroad. It can bring up family issues or put emphasis on the fact you don’t have an entire family anymore, for whatever reason. This is so easy to forget, and I have been so ignorant to this my entire life up until this very moment. I’m so lucky that I’m living away from home and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but some people have scenarios that are heart wrenching. Either way, this post can relate to anyone whose feeling a little isolated this holiday season.

1. Make a Happy/Sad List…

Okay I literally just did this…it sounds like I’m joking but write down a list of things that make you happy and sad. For me, it was working out, podcasts, reading, coffee/tea, etc that made me happy. What made me sad – scrolling through instagram watching all of my friends have fun at a Christmas party lol. It was so simple but I decided for the day that I was going to do all the things that make me happy and ditch the things that make me sad, it definitely helped me get my mind of things for the day.

2. Listen to happy music…

I literally typed in “happy playlists” in apple music and let the entire thing play through. I had a pretty happy trot to the grocery store while listening to Sweet Caroline 5 times through.

3. Read

I’ve finished 3 books since I got to Korea and I have 2 more en route from amazon. I don’t even know what I would do without them, not only do they distract you from your ~sorrows~ but you’re learning at the same time which is KEY.

4. Getting out of your house…

Okay this sounds easy but it’s been sooo hard for me. It’s so easy for me to get wrapped up in my own space and not want to leave my comfort zone. I just don’t feel like interacting with new people, especially when there’s a language barrier, it’s pretty draining. BUT, this is what your body needs! We need to get it out of its comfort zone. Even getting out of your house for a couple hours to go browse at some stores, going to the gym, anything that changes your scenery will instantly make you feel better. This morning it took everything for me to actually work out at the gym and not do a home workout. I wanted to stay cooped up all day but that’s just me feeling sorry for myself. Change up that scenery and get some serotonin pumping through those veins, your body will thank you by putting you in a better mood.

So, I know that every situation is different. Some of this stuff won’t help you and then again, maybe it will. The most important thing is that you at least put in some effort. It’s so easy to get caught up in our current state and start this downward spiral of feeling sorry for ourselves. Awknowledge & accept your feelings and try repeating a mantra saying “I am loved, guided and protected”. I stole that one from the manifestation babe’s podcast and have been using it every time I start to feel myself going in that downward spiral.

This feeling is only temporary, it will pass. Soon it will be so in the past that you will forget you even felt this way.