As the clocks change, the weather gets colder, and the days get shorter, the tendency to isolate is a strong one for many people. Isolation is often seductive in comparison to going out on a cold fall or winter evening. However this is a dangerous solution because it amplifies anxiety and depression, and can often lead to compulsive overeating, binge eating, and even more negativity.
A much more effective solution is to plan activities with friends or loved ones as the weather starts getting colder. This is important because connections to other people are the key to good moods, good humor, and good health. However, at moments when we're feeling discouraged, it may feel like there is a dearth of friends/loved ones to plan activities with. If that is the case, there are many ways you can still get out and be among people-and maybe even make new friends:
- Meetup.com is a great way to find people with similar interests and increase companionship. This website is filled with activities, groups, and events for literally any special interest. It provides a built-in community-all you have to do is select an event and show up, and you will be surrounded by other people with similar interests. Use the search bar to find activities in a particular area, ranging from Salsa dancing to book groups-or let the site make suggestions for you based on your location.
- For things to do in New Jersey, www.princetoninfo.com is a great resource, among other great resources. This site lists activities ranging from science lectures for families to professional theatre or nature hikes in localities stretching from Lambertville to New Brunswick.
- If you are in Manhattan, you can find lots of activities by visiting the websites of the 92nd Street Y, JCC of Manhattan, TimeOut New York, or by perusing the Friday Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times.
If you need an extra boost to get yourself to do some of these things, you may want to try a professionally led support or psychotherapy group. This understanding group of individuals with similar issues, led by a professional therapist, can support you in reaching out and taking the actions that you need to avoid isolation. If binge eating, bulimia, or body image are among your concerns, it can be especially helpful to find a support group with a focus on these issues-especially around holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and New Years when there is a lot of celebrating with food.
Whether you motivate yourself to take action-or if you do it with the help of a support group-make sure to get out, get active, and connect.