by Susan Lower

Created on: December 26, 2008   Last Updated: January 07, 2009

The holiday season is a time when we feel an elation of hope, joy, and love. Most often, people, especially singles, find themselves feeling disappointed, sad, and isolated after the season is gone. If you're struggling with post holiday loneliness, you're not alone.

This year, you can avoid hiding in the closet. You can give away that box of chocolate you were planning to binge. It's time to combat the post holiday blues.

Every good coach will tell you, you need a game plan. In order to battle post holiday loneliness, start by making extra efforts to socialize with those you care about. Find ways to stay conected. Send letters, emails, and make phone calls to those who mean the most to you. Just because the holidays have ended doesn't mean you still can't bond with friends and family throughout the year.

If you enjoy being around people, go to the mall, host a card party, grab a few friends and go to a movie or you're a concert, and don't forget to stop by a nursing home and spend some time with another person who might just be feeling lonely too.

"To overcome loneliness, people need to be proactive and reach out to other people. There is no substitute for helping others and reaching out to other people." states Carolyn Cultrona, a Professor with the Institute for Social/ Behavioral Research.

Find a reason to get out, even if it is just an hour or two. The holidays give us something to look forward to, and once they are over our days can feel purposeless and obsolete. Sign up to serve meals to folks who need them, walk dogs at the local shelter, and volunteer around your community. Join a group in your church.

Loneliness is all about loss. Presents have all been unwrapped and long put away. The tree topper has been taken down and all the holiday decorations have been put away, except one, one you leave out to inspire you. Perhaps you will find it in your nativity set - the small babe in a manger. Let this small symbol be a reminder to you all year long.

God and His presence were with you before, during, and after the holiday season. He walks beside you daily. No room is ever truly empty when you acknowledge He is there. He has been with you every moment of your life. Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us, "And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

Put away the chocolates and open hope, joy, and love in your life. You will be graced with victory in your combat with post holiday loneliness.

Learn more about this author, Susan Lower.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.