Feeling alone? Try these tips to stay connected this winter

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, it’s not uncommon to feel lonely. This is especially true around Blue Monday, known as the saddest day of the year, which takes place on the third Monday in January. But there are many ways to reconnect, even through the short days and long winter nights. While these ideas can help, it’s important to remember that mental health is serious. If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.

Create a routine

Making new connections as an adult is challenging, but proximity and repetition can help. This is because spending time with others frequently fosters deeper bonds, which is why we’re often friends with people we go to school with, work with, or live near. That’s why establishing a daily, weekly or monthly ritual can help by giving you something to look forward to while helping build new relationships. A routine will look different for each person and can include:

• Joining a book or movie club to discuss your favourite movies and books. Find a club in your neighbourhood, join the Mississauga library’s book clubs or sign up for a movie club through the City.
• Attending a weekly trivia or karaoke night at a local restaurant or pub. These events are posted on social media, and allow guests to join a team for a fun night out with new faces.
• Picking up a new hobby. Whether it’s a team sport, cooking, or arts and crafts related, the City has a range of weekly classes you can enrol in.
• Regular physical activity. Exercise boosts endorphins and serotonin, reducing feelings of sadness or loneliness. Group fitness classes are also a great way to meet new people. The City has a range of fitness programs, available through registration, membership, or drop-ins.
• Virtual programs. These programs provide accessible fitness options and are a great first step into fitness or for those unable to attend in-person classes. The City offers a virtual membership, an All-In membership with both on-site and virtual options, and free Sauga Connections for Older Adults, featuring daily fitness and educational activities.

Plan a mini adventure

Shake up your routine with outings that can bring variety to your daily schedule. For example, you could create a winter bucket list to visit each of Mississauga’s museums and the Art Gallery of Mississauga. It could also include a foodie adventure day, filled with new cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. While this is a perfect activity to do with a friend, it’s also a great solo-adventure. It can help uncover local gems while getting to know your local barista, small business owner, or reconnecting with your wider community.

Check-in with family and friends

If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you may have come across a viral trend called the “Wednesday Waffle.” It involves friends sharing short 1-2 minute video updates in a group chat or text message thread about their life updates every Wednesday. Australian TikToker @stayinschool says this has had incredible impacts on his life and those around him.

While the phrase might be confusing for North Americans, “waffle” is used as a slang in Australia and refers to chatting casually without a specific purpose. Scheduling time with friends and family can be challenging, but using technology paired with creative ideas – like Wednesday Waffle – is a great way to share life updates and feel connected without everyone needing to be available at the same time.

Find comfort in solo activities to boost your overall well-being

While finding comfort in others to combat loneliness is great, incorporating solo activities help you feel more positive and grounded, too. When you feel good within yourself, you’re also more likely to attract positive connections. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Fuel your body with nourishing recipes. Explore new recipes by borrowing cookbooks from our online library catalogue at mississaugalibrary.ca.
• Solo activities like painting, writing, journaling, reading or crafting can provide a sense of accomplishment and spark creativity. Try it out at home or explore workshops at local community centres or small businesses.
• Connect with nature and rediscover winter’s magic – a wonderful remedy for loneliness. Explore snow-covered parks, take a trail walk, or relax on a bench.
• During the winter, many of us are drawn to resting more. It’s a powerful way to bring restoration back into our lives. Prioritize healthy sleep habits to recharge your body and mind.

Don’t be afraid to seek help

Prioritizing your mental health is essential. If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, consider speaking to a licensed therapist or counselor, or seek medical help. There are many benefits to seeking professional help, including reducing feelings of burden, learning how to process our emotions, finding answers to medical needs, and feeling connected with someone in a safe space. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, visit Ontario.ca for a complete list of resources and supports available. You can also use the following resources:

• Call 811 – provides expert health care advice and can help redirect visits to the emergency room so you can get the right help at the right time.
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin
• Connex Ontario
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Resources

As a city that prioritizes inclusivity and quality of life, Mississauga has a role in fostering connection and mental well-being among its residents. That’s why the City provides a wide range of activities and resources to help. By making these investments, Mississauga is strengthening the health and happiness of its residents, ensuring the City remains a welcoming place for all.

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