No matter where you live and what the weather is like, it can be all too easy to fall prey to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression during the winter months. It’s natural to feel less connected to others in the winter. This is partially because we tend to socialize less and keep to ourselves, spending more time inside and more time at home when it’s cold outside and the sun sets early. Or maybe the holidays remind you of loved ones you’ve lost.
Whatever the reason, deep down, you probably know that isolation isn’t good for us. Social isolation can harm our health (both physical and mental) in a plethora of ways. In this article, we’ll give you some tips and ideas that you can use to ward off loneliness all winter long.
Why our connections with others are so important
As humans, it’s essential for us to maintain close, meaningful relationships with others (yes, this is true even for those of us who are introverted). We are wired for connection! Strong social connections can lower anxiety and depression, improve our self-esteem and empathy, and even improve our physical health. In fact, an analysis of nearly 150 articles about the effects of human interactions on health outcomes revealed that social connections with our friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues improve the odds of survival by 50%.
The loneliness epidemic in America is real and it has real consequences. Luckily, by being proactive and working to maintain your connections with others, you can make progress in fighting loneliness and isolation.
Tips to keep winter loneliness and isolation at bay
Use these affordable, accessible tips to focus on connecting with others this winter and keeping the cold-weather loneliness away.
Take the first step
Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move. Be willing to initiate, inviting a new friend to lunch or knocking on a neighbor’s door to ask if they’d like to go for a walk. Often, you’ll find that others crave connection, too — but they were busy or tired or nervous to ask (yes, it even happens to adults). In today’s day and age, with the type of communities that many of us live in, time together doesn’t happen automatically. Be intentional about getting it on the calendar.
Be mindful of screen usage
Do screens make us lonelier? Yes and no. Social media can easily make us feel left out. Screen time can lead to feelings of depression. But screens can also show us faraway friends or help us feel connected to the broader world if we’re stuck at home sick. It’s all about how we choose to use our devices.
When you do use screens, make sure you’re doing something that is connecting you with others, like a Zoom call. You might try:
- Setting up a weekly coffee chat with a friend
- Holding a virtual family reunion
- Watching a live streamed concert
- Watch a movie with a grandchild
- Sign up for an online class
- Contribute to a blog
Lend a hand
Find somewhere local to volunteer (or even somewhere online, if that’s a better fit for your physical abilities). This is a great way to meet people and make meaningful connections — both with the people you’re serving, and your fellow volunteers. Ideas of places to volunteer might include:
- Library
- Animal shelter
- Church, synagogue, or other religious institution
- Food bank
- Homeless shelter
- Thrift store or foster care closet
- Hospital or nursing home
- Tutoring program
- Arts center or community center
Many people are interested in volunteering around the holidays. But the needs don’t stop after the New Year. Challenge yourself to continue volunteering all winter long (and beyond).
Try something new
This winter, commit to doing something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be wild or crazy — it could be as simple as signing up for an art class at your local rec center, or visiting that coffee shop you always drive by but never stop at. Even taking one small step out of your comfort zone can help you discover new parts of yourself and meet some new friends.
What are some other benefits of trying new things? Improving your mood, exercising your brain, and helping you feel excited about life all count. Routine is comforting. But sometimes, connection calls for newness. Be brave enough to try.
Keep it simple
If you have the time, money, and physical ability to get out and do fun outings during the winter, that’s great! You might consider taking your grandchildren ice skating or coordinating and hosting a board game tournament for all of your friends with plenty of delicious warm drinks and snacks.
But if you don’t, that’s okay, too. Even simple connections can go a long way to boost your mood (and someone else’s). Simply inviting a neighbor over for lunch or catching up with a friend on the phone can leave you smiling, too. Don’t overthink connection. Anytime you interact with another person and leave with a warmer glow than you had before, that’s enough.
When wintertime blues are something more
It’s not abnormal to experience heightened feelings of sadness or loneliness in the winter. But in some situations, you may need a little extra help to make sure your mental health doesn’t get too far down in the dumps. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you should consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss your depression:
- You aren’t interested in most activities
- You feel sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time
- You’re experiencing fluctuations in your appetite and your weight
- You aren’t sleeping well (experiencing either insomnia or hypersomnia)
- You have little or no energy
Talking with a mental health professional, such as a therapist, can help. Your doctor is a great resource to help you find a local therapist who is covered by your insurance. Or consider using an online therapy platform where you can browse therapists to find one who’s a good fit for you.
In some cases, your doctor might also recommend medication, such as an antidepressant, to help treat your symptoms.
A doctor or therapist could also help you brainstorm ways to connect with others that are a good fit for your individual health situation and your financial situation. Whatever the case, making an effort to spend more time with people this winter is always a good place to start.
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