Part 2: Overcoming Holiday Stress – Coping with Holiday Blues

The season is filled with cheer, but unfortunately for many it's also filled with sadness.  The holidays can bring on various emotions (depression being the most common) and not for one specific cause.  There are numerous reasons people suffer from the holiday blues, such as fatigue from all the extra running and financial stress.  Perhaps one of the most difficult causes for sadness during the holiday season is the loss of a loved one.  
 

It’s never easy losing someone from your life and the holidays do not make it any easier.  Learning how to deal with your sadness in a more effective way, and learning how to celebrate your loved one will be extremely helpful.  So how do you do that?  Doing things such as creating a special tradition can help you cope with your loss.  Here are some suggestions to honor your loved one which may offer you support and comfort during these times.

·        A special ornament in their honor

·        Lighting a candle in their memory

·        Donate in the name of your loved one

·        Volunteering your time during the holiday (i.e., shelter or food pantry)

·        A special prayer before dinner

·        Taking some time to look at pictures and reflect back on your time together

·        Plant a tree or garden

·        Write a letter

·        Take some time to go around the room, giving everyone a chance to share a special memory

These types of special traditions can help you not only keep the person alive in your heart, but helps you cope with your loss in a way that is not avoiding, but instead allows you to express your feelings and feel good about your loved ones memory. 

My Thought

While the holiday alone can be exhausting, experiencing grief is emotionally draining.  Therefore, it is important that you take good care of yourself, and if you need to, reach out to a family member or friend for some support.

Join me next week for a Holiday message