The winter season is almost upon us and while I love embracing the change in the seasons, for many, longer nights, colder weather, and the holidays can be challenging. During the holidays, there is a tendency and a pull to go into overdrive trying to do it all. The societal pressures surrounding this season tend to trigger so many emotions. I have felt them, too.
Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays
Oftentimes, the holidays act as a trigger to past trauma, loss, and other painful experiences. Grief comes in many forms and can easily go unnoticed, which is why it’s so important to check in on our friends and loved ones. I’ve worked with many clients who feel like they have to suffer in silence or are unsure how to ask for support.
As we head into the next couple months, I would like to share tips on how to support those we love who may be struggling this holiday season. Please read and share a blog post I wrote on how to offer your support to those suffering from grief and loss.
Give Yourself Grace and Embrace Winter Rest
As we head into the holiday season, I invite you to reframe your thinking of, “the holidays must be busy and cheerful at all times” to “I am going to take this time to slow down and rest my mind and body.” This will look different from person to person but allowing yourself to slow down is so important to your well-being. I find that I am better intune with my body and emotions when I allow myself to intentionally rest.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite activities to help reset and ground my body and soul:
Start journaling - here are some November journal prompts
Pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read
Indulge in a cozy drink and wholesome food
Practice yoga and meditation
Go for a mindfulness walk (no headphones, simply being present with your body and surroundings)
It’s important to keep in mind that not every holiday season will be as hard as the last, and some may be harder than others. Find your support system and lean on them during harder seasons. And always, always, remember to give yourself grace.
Let Me Give You a Hand
Please know, you are not alone if feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety are beginning to creep up as we inch closer to the holidays. I can help you work through any dark, uneasy feelings you may be holding onto and hopefully make the winter season more manageable. Schedule a consultation and learn how we can work together to help you accomplish your therapy goals.
If you are a therapist looking for a professional consultation, business coaching, or EMDR consultation, please visit my clinician page.
**If you are in urgent need of help, please visit my referral recommendations blog.
I’m wishing everyone a refreshing and relaxing holiday season.
Please note, my office will be closed the following dates:
Thanksgiving: 11/22-11/27, returning 11/28
Winter Rest: 12/20-1/5, returning 1/8
With Love,