Season’s Greetings!

The Campaign to End Loneliness team at Sheffield Hallam University would like to extend our warm wishes this holiday season to you all. Take a moment to celebrate any successes this year, big or small! We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Here are some festive tips to tackle loneliness this holiday season:

  • Get active! No need to wait for New Year for trying something new, physical activity has mental and physical benefits, whilst providing opportunities for social connection. Classes often run regularly, and you could meet people with similar interests and build a sense of belonging to a group.
  • Read! Immerse yourself into a good book. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, or simply interested in learning about loneliness, pick up a copy of ‘Loneliness for dummies’ by Professor Andrea Wigfield, containing self-help tips.
  • Make connections! Lost touch with an old friend, building a relationship with a new one? Take the time this season to reach out to others, thoughtful ideas include sending a postcard or, for sustainability, consider an e-card. Making connections can be as simple as a passing hello or smile on the street.
  • Bake! Whether trying out a new recipe or perfecting an old one, cook along with the TV or share your masterpiece with others.
  • Recognise, accept, plan! Just like feeling hungry, recognise and accept feelings of loneliness and plan what to do, for example, where you feel hungry and may make lunch, if you feel lonely, consider calling a friend, or one of these other tips.
  • Pick up the phone, or your walking boots! Social connection can support with feelings of loneliness, have a chat on the phone, meet for a coffee or share a walk.
  • Get crafty! Whether making homemade decorations or thoughtful gifts for others, spend some time making a card, or something creative to hang on your tree.
  • Volunteer! Helping others does not have to be formal volunteering. It can be as simple as picking up milk for someone from the shop or putting a neighbour’s bins out. Small acts can make others’ lives a little easier. If you are interested in formal volunteering, check out your local charities or corporate opportunities at work.
  • Game on! Create a quiz to play with others, it could be Christmas themed or something else you are interested in, such as music. Consider a virtual quiz to connect to those who may be further away.
  • Ask for help! If you are feeling lonely often or have been feeling lonely for a while, it can help to seek counselling or therapy. Other options are self-hypnosis or EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Some can be undertaken by self-help guides and others require a qualified therapist.

We look forward to welcoming the New Year in with you all.

Campaign to End Loneliness Team