How to Cope When Youre Alone on New Years Eve

How to Cope When You're Alone on New Year's Eve Social Anxiety Disorder Coping Print 10 Tips to Beat Loneliness on New Years Eve By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 01, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on October 18, 2019 Social Anxiety Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children brydieleishman / Getty Images New Years Eve can be a difficult holiday to spend alone. Its a day that most people spend with significant others, loved ones, or friends and is usually associated with festive parties and celebrations surrounded by many people. If you experience social anxiety or are coping with social anxiety disorder (SAD), your emotional stress and physical symptoms like muscle tension and a rapid heartbeat may feel heightened during holidays like these. But just because youre ringing in the new year your own way doesnt mean you have to suffer. Whether youre spending New Years Eve alone because of social anxiety or for other reasons, here are 10 ways to prevent yourself from feeling down. Reframe Negative Thoughts For some people, dwelling on being solo during New Years Eve is inevitable. But you can use this time as an opportunity to try a cognitive behavioral therapy technique. When a negative thought pops into your head, identify it, evaluate it, then flip it to something positive. For example, although youre solo this New Years Eve, that  doesnt mean youll be alone next year. And while you might feel like the only one without someone to celebrate with, remember that many others are in your situation. This mental shift can be an effective way to cope with social anxiety.?? Reflect on the Year The last day of the year is a perfect  time for self-reflection. Being on your own offers a unique opportunity for honest introspection that you wouldnt get if you were around a group of people. Congratulate yourself on successes and achievements whether they were big or small. If you feel youve done well, treat yourself. For example: Purchase a wellness product, such as an essential oil diffuser or massage.Go out for a special dinner (or treat yourself to take-away).Buy book youve been meaning to read (And if you cant wait to dig in, consider an e-reader version).Book an adventurous trip for the new year. If the year hasnt gone that well in your opinion, consider what was unfavorable and how you can improve next year. Remember that everyone has setbacks along the path to their goals. As long as you start each day with the possibility of success and continue to look forward, youll eventually get to where you want to be. Watch Fireworks If there are fireworks at a public venue in your area, consider going to watch them. Spending  time with a crowd of people may help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and watching fireworks could lift your spirits. If you have a fear of crowds, this type of exposure exercise could also be helpful for working on your anxiety. Read a Book If you enjoy quiet nights at home, why not treat this like just another one of those nights? Choose a good book that you cant put down and spend the night reading. If you really want to get a jump start on making improvements for the following year, you can opt for a self-help book that focuses on interpersonal skills. Make Resolutions New Years Eve is a terrific time to craft resolutions. These can be about anything from general life improvements to specific concerns related to social anxiety. Remember that it doesnt have to be a novel of dramatic changes; a short, but realistic list of goals is actually more effective. Some resolutions to help your  social anxiety might include: Develop healthy lifestyle habits like eating well, getting lots of sleep, and exercising regularly.Work on improving your social skills, starting with how to make productive small talk.Face challenging situations rather than avoid them. Say yes instead of no.Develop assertiveness to help improve your confidence.Be grateful for what you have; appreciate the many talents and skills you possess.Vow to make a change. Get help for your SAD symptoms from a professional or connect with others through support groups and forums. You might even consider using a self-help book to overcome anxiety. How to Stick to Your New Years Resolutions Accept an Invitation You Turned Down Perhaps you received an invite to which you automatically replied no. Maybe you would have been a single among couples or the thought of spending the evening with a group felt like too much pressure. But it isnt too late to go back and say: Yes! Consider it a chance to work on your social skills and usher in the new year with a resolution to attend more social functions. How to Deal With Social Anxiety at a Party Rent Movies and Watch the Ball Drop If youre staying in, consider ordering takeout, renting a movie (consider NYE classics like When Harry Met Sally or Oceans Eleven), and watching the ball drop in Times Square. These are solitary activities that give you the flavor of the holiday and help you feel like youre participating from your own comfort zone. Plan Some Phone Calls for Midnight Have people call you or plan on calling others right before midnight so that you have someone with whom to share the countdown. You dont have to stay on the phone for longâ€"just ring in the New Year and then get back to your own solo celebration. Connect in Real-Time on Social Media If there isnt anyone who you can call on New Years Eve, connect with others in real-time on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Watch as people around the world post New Years updates and ring in the New Year through different time zones. Do Something Mundane New Years Eve really is just another night. Consider leaning into that fact and spend it doing evening activities youd usually do and ignoring the hype surrounding the holiday. Clean your house, organize your office, cook a new recipe, or catch up on your sleep. Dont let tradition dictate your choices if you dont feel up to celebrating. A Word From Verywell Sometimes, despite your best intentions, you may find that holidays such as New Years Eve cause you to feel more despair than happiness. This can be a result of something known as the broken promises effect, in which high expectations for a holiday or a particular time of year can cause you to feel as though things should be better than they are. Perhaps you expected this new year to bring about changes and yet, you still feel just as anxious as before. To avoid falling into this trap, try not to have unrealistic expectations about New Years Eveâ€"or any holiday for that matter. And if you find that your social anxiety is hindering your ability to live the life you want, make a plan to reach out for help in the coming days. How to Cope When You Are Alone at Christmas