Spotlight on Staying connected

Christmas is a time of togetherness, but it takes dedication. Here’s how to stay connected… and help others do the same

The pandemic clearly taught us that we’re social beings. From virtual quizzes to postable bakes, we found innovative ways to stay close to each other. But as we enter the busiest time of the year, how can we maintain this feeling of togetherness?

Helen knows the importance of staying connected better than anyone. During lockdown, she started volunteering for Age UK’s

75%

of adults didn’t think to keep in touch with elderly neighbours who might be lonely*

WORDS JESS HERBERT ILLUSTRATION GETTY IMAGES * 75% of 2,000 British adults; source: yougov.co.uk ** Source: medicalxpress.com The Silver Line Helpline – a free and confidential 24-hour helpline for older people who feel lonely. She noticed an increase in people calling over Christmas: ‘Many people can feel lonely throughout the year, but the festive period can be the worst, especially for those who live alone or are bereaved.’

Quality over quantity

It isn’t just about age. Loneliness can affect anyone; perhaps Christmas is tough because you live far away from your loved ones or aren’t close with your family.

Psychologist Dr Rina Bajaj (rinabajaj.com) describes how ‘there are often picture-perfect expectations around the holiday season, but this isn’t a reality for all of us, so it can leave us feeling that we are failing in some way.’

But there are lots of little things we can do to stay connected. Big groups may look impressive in photos but, when it comes to feeling fulfilled with your social life, it’s better to have quality over quantity. After all, Dr Rina reminds us that ‘we can be surrounded by people but still feel lonely.’ Instead, focus on cultivating a small but secure support system. ‘Work on building relationships with people who you feel safe and comfortable with,’ she suggests.

Think of others

If you’re feeling lonely, it can seem overwhelming making plans with people; if you’re busy, it can be easy to forget about those who are on their own. Think about all the people in your life who may be alone, or less able to leave the house this Christmas, and make it your responsibility to reach out and organise a visit.

The amount of time you spend together is less important – the priority is to stick to the plan, as cancelling will increase feelings of isolation. It doesn’t have to cost a lot: popping in for a coffee, watching an episode of a show you both like, or going on a short walk together is enough. If you don’t have family and friends close by for Christmas Day, there are many local councils and businesses who offer lunch and company (if you don’t have access to the internet, give your local council a call). The Salvation Army also provides lunches, as well as companionship, food parcels and toy donation, which can make the day more enjoyable.

If you’re social media savvy, Sarah Millican hosts an annual Christmas Twitter campaign called #JoinIn: simply add the hashtag to your tweets to connect with others who are spending Christmas alone. It’s a chance to discuss anything, from what you’re watching to how many chocolates you’ve eaten, and may make you feel less lonely.

Is virtual enough?

Texting can be a great tool to stay in touch. But Helen reminds us to step outside our screens. She says, ‘While most of us can connect electronically, the common theme I hear from callers is that they would like company, someone to visit them or to go out for lunch with.’

Although studies have shown that communicating virtually is better than no communication at all, meeting face to face is still considered to make us feel our best**. If there are times you can’t meet face to face, opt for a phone call over sending a text, as this builds a better connection.

Logging off

Social media can also be a hindrance if you’re feeling lonely, as you compare yourself to everyone on your feed. Dr Rina explains, ‘Social media in itself is not good or bad, but I encourage people to consciously use it. Monitor your feelings – do you feel better or worse afterwards?’ Seeing people spending time with their families may make us feel jealous, but one photo doesn’t capture the full picture. ‘Remember that people usually only put the best bits online,’ says Dr Rina, ‘so their lives may not be as perfect as they seem.’

Easy ways to connect over Christmas

WRITE a Christmas card to your neighbours, introducing yourself if you’ve never met before. COOK an extra portion of festive food and deliver it to someone you know who lives alone. VIDEO CALL friends far away and sit the device at the head of your table so you can virtually feast together. OFFER to run errands for less able-bodied neighbours or relatives, which could include taking their parcels to the post office. PRINT and post pictures of your festive fun to keep loved ones in the loop – it’s much more personal than a text, and not everyone has a smartphone. TEACH a less tech-savvy relative how to download apps and use social media if they have just got themselves a smartphone.

GET INVOLVED

To donate your time to The Silver Line Helpline and chat to new people from your home, visit www.thesilverline.org. uk/support-us/volunteer. If you’re an older person looking for a chat, you can call the free and confidential helpline every day of the year on 0800 470 8090.

F it for winter

M a n a g e t h o s e s n i f f l e s a n d s p l u t t e r s w i t h h e l p f r o m s o m e b a t h r o o m c a b i n e t f a v o u r i t e s

Feeling out of sorts with a cold? Give yourself some TLC with plenty of rest, water and warmth. Products that may ease symptoms can really help too. With these in your bathroom cabinet, you’ll be prepared for the fight.

1

Drink it in

Start the day with Berocca Immuno effervescent tablets 15-pack, £7.50 (50p each), which packs 10 immunity supporting vitamins and minerals, including high-strength vitamin C for immune support*. Each tablet dissolves into an orangeflavoured drink that also has vitamins B6 and B12 to help support energy release and help reduce tiredness and fatigue* .

2

Breathe easy

Fed up with congestion? Try Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray 15ml**, £4.05 (£2.70p/10ml). The active ingredient, xylometazoline, starts to unblock a stuffy nose in just two minutes by reducing the swelling to help ease breathing, and lasts for up to 10 hours. Breathe a sigh of relief with one spray.

2 3

Symptom relief

Help combat colds and flu with Beechams All In One tablets 16-pack***, £4 (25p each). Whether you have a fever, aches and pains, or a headache, sore throat and chesty cough, try this triple-action formula. It offers effective relief from cold and flu symptoms.

4

Ease the wheeze

Soothe the symptoms of a pesky cough with Benylin Chesty Coughs syrup 150ml****, £4.75 (£3.17/100ml). The non-drowsy formula gets to work in just 15 minutes, allowing you to get on with your day in more comfort.

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COMPLETE THE KIT

Don’t forget to stock up on a good lip balm to ease chapped lips, extra-soft balm tissues for tender noses and antibacterial gel to ward off winter bugs.