Similarly, some may wish for a supportive romantic relationship and find themselves feeling especially isolated during the holidays.

While it may be uncomfortable to feel lonely, its also OK to feel this way.

One way to deal with the feelings of loneliness is to rethink your expectations.

Woman looking out the window

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Cultivate Gratitude

There are many far-reachingbenefits to practicing gratitude.

Maintaining agratitude journalcan be a wonderful exercise incultivating an attitude of gratitude.

Perhaps someone in your community has lost their job and can use a little extra goodwill.

There are many ways toconnect with a therapist online, so you dont even have to leave your home.

Would you benefit from putting more time into your social life so that you have stronger relationships?

Is something inside of you causing you to keep people at a distance?

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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University of Reading, Participation Lab; October 2019.

Smith JM.Toward a better understanding of loneliness in community-dwelling older adults.J Psychol.

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Bartlett MY, Arpin SN.Gratitude and loneliness: Enhancing health and well-being in older adults.Res Aging.

Results from an online friendship enrichment program.J Soc Pers Relat.

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