Spending time with family and friends during the holidays can give you something to look forward to and help you feel connected. But when loved ones are far away or no longer with us, loneliness can creep in.

Understanding loneliness

Loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected. Social isolation is having very few relationships, little interaction or limited support from others. The relationships you have with family, friends and your social circles can play a significant role in your overall well-being and long-term health.

Ways to connect

The good news is that even small steps can help you build connections and strengthen relationships, including the following:

• Take a break from social media to avoid comparison.
• Focus on a meaningful moment like a supportive conversation.
• Expand your circles by joining a group or activity built around a shared interest.
• Create traditions that fit your life now.

Find help

SupportLinc offers tools and resources that can help you make sense of what you’re feeling. The program offers 5 free counseling sessions and practical steps you can take toward building better relationships.

SupportLinc scavenger hunt

Use our SupportLinc scavenger hunt to explore tools and resources available to you. If you don’t have an account, visit SupportLinc’s website and create an account using the group code Publix.

To be entered into a drawing for a $25 Publix gift card, complete the scavenger hunt form online or print the card from Publix News online and send through company mail or U.S. mail (mailed entries must be received by Dec. 14, 2026) to:

Publix News
Attn: Life. Inspired. SupportLinc Scavenger Hunt Contest Entry
P.O. Box 407
Lakeland, FL 33802-0407

See the official rules.