by Mario Carini

Created on: January 04, 2009   Last Updated: April 16, 2009

The holidays are especially hard for the single man or woman during the holiday season. Loneliness and depression hit many people during this time of year. But it doesn't have to happen if you take the right steps to make the holiday season a joy and filled with excitement and anticipation. Here are some ways to cure post-holiday loneliness:

*Plan ahead. The holidays should give you the chance to rest and renew your energy levels for the time when you must return to work. The time between Christmas and New Year's is the best time to set new priorities and plan your life for the coming year.

* Keep in touch. The holidays are made to reconnect with your family and establish new friends. It's not the time to languish alone in your apartment. Your family and friends are there to provide companionship well after the holidays are over.

* Make new friends. You are never alone. No matter what you do you need to communicate with someone. Going out of your way to make more friends keeps you busy and away from focusing attention on yourself.

* Seek out support. The post-holiday blues means you need a shoulder to lean on. All schools and universities have counselors who are ready to help you overcome the post-holiday blues. Support is a key to getting rid of loneliness, so don't be afraid of getting together with other singles who need support as much as you do.

* Be active. Activity in any form, whether through sports or volunteer work will help dispense loneliness. The more active you are, the less you concentrate on yourself. One of the worst activities is just to sit in front of the TV watching bad news and snacking your way to weight gain.

* Learn something new. The mind, like the body requires exercise. Constant learning means there is no time to feel depressed. Challenge yourself with a new hobby or look to start a new career. No one should stop learning at any age. Whatever it is, get enthusiastic.

* Learn to lighten up. Laughter is the best medicine. So pop in a video and read something funny. Focus your attention on the brighter side of life. Read self-help books, listen to uplifting music. Realize that problems happen to everyone. It's how you approach them that determines how successful you will be in life.

The holiday season should never be the time to feel depressed. Communicating with others, being active, learning new skills and laughing at life will help overcome any post-holiday blues and get you on the road to a more productive year.

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