Lonely? Broke? How to stay social and solvent during the holidays

Lonely? Broke?

How to stay social and solvent during the holidays.

 

Does it feel like you’ve been sold a bill of goods about the holidays?

Did you grow up hearing that the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year?

Do you feel the added stress of holiday expectations?

 

For many people, the holidays are actually some of the most difficult times of the year, challenging and potentially isolating.

 

Here are five doable suggestions for staying connected and resisting the temptation to overshop at this time of year, click here:

    1. Volunteer: In helping others in your community you’re connecting with something bigger than you. This solid reminder that there is much to be thankful for in life is truly uplifting. Check out Dosomething.org which sets you up with volunteer opportunities right in your neighborhood.
    2. Join an affinity group: Find groups with common interests, common challenges and better yet, both. Being around others, avoiding social isolation, and trusting in nature are what it’s about. Examples are activity groups online such as Meetup.com.
    3. Exercise with a friend: Exercising releases feel good chemicals in our brains, dopamine. It’s science. Take a spin class. Go for a long walk or hike with a friend. Click Here for 8 ways to get fit and be social.
    4. Take a Trip– Go somewhere you’ve never been. Change your scenery. Change your mood. Here are some inexpensive and engaging holiday travel ideas.
    5. Exercise Mindfulness and Self -Acceptance: Holidays are a time when unrealistic, unmet expectations bring on a lot of suffering. Identifying your expectations and giving them a reality test can decrease the pressure you’re feeling and increase more of the joy. For help in doing that, Click Here

 

 

 

By Carrie Rattle

Carrie Rattle is a Principal at BehavioralCents.com, a website for women focused on mind and money behaviors. She has worked in the financial services industry for 20+ years and hopes to inspire women to better prepare themselves for financial independence. Read More