As the festive season rushes in, we are often reminded by Andy Williams’ timeless hit that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. While many bask in the holiday cheer, the period can be quite stressful for a significant number of people. Regardless of the traditions one observes, the winter season can be daunting, particularly when it comes to balancing social obligations and the need for personal space.
According to a recent survey from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, a majority of Americans (56%) identify adequate alone time as critical for their mental health. However, nearly half (46%) report a lack of this precious commodity during the winter holidays. The results of this survey were published on December 3rd.
Sophie Lazarus, Ph.D., an Ohio State clinical psychologist specializing in mood and anxiety disorders as well as mindfulness-based interventions, emphasizes the importance of finding time for oneself amidst the holiday hustle. In her words, “By taking a brief pause alone, our nervous system can settle, our mind can settle, our body can settle.” She goes on to highlight the adverse effects of chronic stress on our wellbeing.
The survey, conducted in October, encapsulates responses from over 1,000 U.S. adults. The findings revealed that:
- 43% wish for more alone time
- 56% believe that adequate alone time is essential for their mental health
- 46% experience less alone time around the holidays
- 36% feel more irritable due to insufficient alone time
The sentiment of reduced alone time during the holidays was shared almost equally by men (47%) and women (45%). People aged 65 and older (38%) were the least likely to feel this way. The percentage increased slightly for younger age groups, ranging from 47% to 49%. Income-wise, individuals earning $50,000 to $74,999 were least likely (31%) to report less holiday alone time, while respondents in higher and lower income brackets ranged from 42% to 50%. People of color (50%) were more likely than white respondents (43%) to report inadequate alone time during the holidays.
The Persistent U.S. Loneliness Epidemic
The publication of this survey coincides with the nation’s ongoing battle with a loneliness epidemic. In fact, last year, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared the problem a public health crisis. He highlighted that a lack of social connection increases one’s risk of premature death by more than 60%.
However, it’s important to differentiate between loneliness and solitude. While the former may trigger feelings of sadness and abandonment, the latter represents a content choice to be by oneself. Sophie Lazarus points out that experiencing alone time doesn’t necessarily mean being physically alone. It can manifest in different ways, such as visiting a park or a coffee shop, or simply not having to engage socially in a direct manner.
Tips to Find Alone Time During the Holidays
Making time for oneself doesn’t require grand gestures. Sophie Lazarus suggests simple steps such as keeping your phone in a different room during your alone time or taking a few minutes in the car before resuming your duties. She stresses, “One size doesn’t fit everyone. Being flexible and finding a balance is best.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide tips for managing stress:
- Take five. Relax with deep breaths. Even five minutes of self-care can help.
- Be active. Engage in physical activities such as walking or stretching.
- Connect with others. Reach out to friends and family.
- Stick to a daily routine. This should include rest, exercise, and healthy eating.
- Seek support. Talk about your feelings with friends, family, or trusted organizations. Reach out to your faith community if applicable.
- Consult a professional. Speak to a healthcare provider about your feelings.
Remember, if you need immediate mental health support, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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