The arrival of the Christmas holidays, with the hustle and bustle of celebrations, family events, company dinners and the end of year holidays, causes many people in Spain and other Western countries to be affected by the stress and the anxiety and long for the lack of time for themselves.
According to a survey carried out in the United States by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centeralmost half (46%) of the participants stated not having the alone time they need during this festive season.
Clinical psychologist Sophie Lazarusfrom the same university, highlights the importance of taking short breaks alone for mental and physical well-being. “By taking a short break alone, our nervous system can calm down, our mind can calm down, our body can calm down. And I think that can be important. We know that chronic stress is not good for us,” Lazarus says.
Finding time for yourself
Lazarus suggests incorporating simple changes into your daily routine to get some alone time. Some recommendations include leave your mobile phone in another room during those moments of loneliness, or take advantage of a few minutes in the car before picking up the children or when arriving home after work.
Furthermore, the expert remembers that Prioritizing yourself at certain times does not mean being selfish. nor always put your own needs before those of others. “I think it’s important to remember that just because you’re prioritizing yourself right now doesn’t mean you’re selfish and it doesn’t mean you always make the decision to prioritize yourself over others,” she clarifies.
Just because you’re prioritizing yourself right now doesn’t mean you’re selfish.
Different ways of experiencing loneliness
Lazarus also points out that it is possible to be alone even when there are other people around. Activities like go to the cinema alonewalking through a busy park or sit in a cafe they can provide moments of introspection and absence of direct social interaction.
The survey, which involved 1,004 people and was carried out from October 4 to 7 in the United States, highlights the importance of time alone for more than half of the participants (56%), who consider that It is very important for your mental health.
Stress during the holidays in Spain
In the Spanish context, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations can also generate high levels of stress. According to a study by the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress (SEAS), Approximately 30% of Spaniards experience a significant increase in stress during this time.
Among the main factors that contribute to this stress are family obligationsthe additional economic expenses and the social pressure to comply with the festive expectations. Dedicating a few minutes a day to relaxing activities and moments of solitude can help counteract these stressors and improve emotional well-being.