Ideas that will change your perspective on being alone
By: Mayra
The holiday season can look and feel completely different for everyone. Being away from home is a bittersweet experience; one day you might be bursting into laughter with people whose friendship was only possible because you are living abroad, feeling grateful and full. And then there are days when you are… well… lonely.
I know how it feels to miss home and the warm embrace of the people and traditions that shaped you and held you. I know what it’s like to watch everyone pack their suitcases to go see their families while you try to resist spiralling into a cold pit of loneliness.
This blog is a reminder that, although feeling sad or lonely is a natural response to spending the winter break alone, there are so many possibilities for how your experience as an international student can look! Being in a new country is, in many ways, a blank canvas, because you get to decide (to some extent) what you want the outcome to be. And I can assure you, it can be deeply special. So, these are some ideas to help you with that!
Check the SSU Events
Let’s start with the most obvious: Find things your own community is organizing. The SSU has some cool events throughout the year on and off campus. I have been to their events, and I always feel that they really make an effort to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed.
Take a stroll in the Christmas Markets
If you have already visited the Distillery Winter Village and want to explore more options around the GTA, there are hundreds of similar experiences you can look into in your area! I usually just Google “Holiday Market Toronto” or whatever location I’m in. This is a great way to get motivated to go outside, enjoy a nice, warm drink, and soak in the whimsical scenery of holiday markets.
Plan Self-Dates
Planning full days of doing only activities that I love will instantly change my mood. Even from the start, when I’m planning or looking for activities to do, I’m already excited for myself. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money because there are tons of free events and activities around the GTA! If you are into arts and crafts, check my blog Artsy Self Dates to get some ideas and discover new places!
Gift Yourself a Volunteer Experience
I used to think volunteering was simply gifting my time. It wasn’t until I volunteered as an art instructor with kids that I realized it truly goes both ways. I met so many amazing people, and spending time with those kids always made my day. Volunteering can change your entire perspective on life and bring to the surface parts of yourself you might not be aware of otherwise!
Suggested Read: A Journey of Community and Self-Discovery in Canada by Gurleen
Do a Life Check-In
If solitude has taught me anything, it’s how to get to know who I am and what I truly want. There’s something very special about moving through that initial phase of sadness and then going deeper into being with myself. Taking a day to reflect, plan, and daydream about your life is always a good idea. This is my ideal Life Check-In Day: Waking up early, taking some time to tidy up my space and journal about all the things I love about my life, all of the things I wish to get better at, and all of the things I wish to accomplish one day. There is no right or wrong way to do a check-in with you, the main idea is to reflect on your life and if you are taking the steps to build the life you want 😊.
Dive into Podcasts and Content that Inspires You
My favourite thing about being alive in this era is how accessible information is, and not just information, but a very particular type of connection. For example, watching TED Talks or listening to podcasts that inspire me makes me feel connected to others and gives me a more positive outlook on life, even when it’s dark outside at 3 pm. One of my favourite talks about emotional resilience is The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown.
And while inspiring content can help a lot, sometimes we need real, human support too. If you ever feel like things get heavy during the holidays, remember that as a Sheridan Student, you have free Counselling Services! You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Asking for support is also a form of strength.
Final Thoughts
Being away from home during the holidays is not easy, and it’s okay to admit that. But it can also become a time of growth, reflection, new connections, and unexpected beauty. I hope you can gift yourself a new experience to help you reframe this time of the year into something exciting!
Stay Supported With the SSU!
The SSU is here for you in many ways; from student discounts to mental health support. Check out all the services available to Sheridan students, or keep exploring wellness content created by and for our community.
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