The New Year can be a hard holiday to spend alone after a breakup. If you find yourself anxious and sad, just know that you are not alone and that it won't always feel that way.
Here are a few strategies to get you through New Year's:
1. Spend some time reflecting on this year.
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be all about parties; it can represent taking some quiet, uninterrupted time to look back on the year and see how far you’ve come, what you would like to change, and what parts of your life you want to fulfill. This may be different if you were planning on going to a party with your S.O. but sometimes different is okay (and even better!) because there's less pressure.
2. Make plans, whether you're going out or staying in
Just because you don’t have a romantic partner doesn’t mean that you have nothing to do. If staying in doesn't feel like the right move for you, reach out to family or friends and join the celebrations with people you love. Sometimes you just have to remind those around you that you need their support - they may not know that you want to be out. If you would rather stay in, plan ahead and get some of your favorite treats for a night in. Watch movies, read, treat yourself to some pampering and set intentions for 2018. Invite your other single friends if you want company. The important thing is to make sure you have planned ahead so that you have something to look forward to.
3. Shift your perspective.
Remember, New Year’s Eve is just one night. Even though there are a lot of expectations wrapped up into it, at the end of the day, it is just a regular day for everyone. Although it may be painful, you're now free of a relationship that wasn’t working. That's something to celebrate. LEt yourself feel sadness if that's what you're feeling, but also try to focus on gratitude and think about all the incredible opportunities, people, and events that are ahead of you in 2018.