Grief is like the ocean; It comes in waves; ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.
-Vicki Harrison
Grief and the holidays can go hand in hand for many of us. I often say that you can be grateful and grieving at the same time. You can feel grateful for all you have in your life right here and now, and be grieving people and other loses in your life at the same time. I know this is true in my own life. Is this relatable to you too?
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: the common symptoms of grief around the holidays, how grief may show up around the holidays, and holiday self-care ideas to help with grief symptoms. Hope it’s helpful.
Common symptoms of grief around the holidays:
- Anger
- Crying
- Sadness
- Emptiness
- Loneliness
- Exhaustion
- Feeling like a fog is covering you
- Feeling disconnected from others
What other symptoms of grief around the holidays would you add here?
How grief may show up around the holidays:
- Memories being made without your loved one/s
- Fear the heaviness will always be here
- Family traditions feeling different
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Desperately missing a loved one/s
What else would you add here around how grief may show up around the holidays?
Holiday self-care ideas to help with grief symptoms:
- Journal and write about the depth of your grief- all the things you feel like you can’t share with other people or the things you don’t feel like others would really understand
- Mediate- listen to a guided meditation or set a timer and do a quiet one
- Be out in nature as much as possible if it has a healing element for you
- Talk to a therapist trained in grief
- Focus on mindfulness and being present and aware of your five senses
- Make time for exercise or gentle stretching
- Spend time with loved ones
- Share stories about your loved one/s and use their name/s
What other self-care ideas help you with your own holiday grief symptoms?
If you’re experiencing grief around the holiday season, know that you’re not alone. Many of us are grieving the loss of loved ones this time of year. If you need more help and support, please reach out to your medical doctor or a therapist in your area (if you don’t already have one of your own). Know that I’m thinking of you, and sending lots of love and support your way!
