Holidays, more than other times of the year, are filled with sensations that leave us vulnerable and make the experience of loss harder and more poignant—the sights, the sounds, the smells. The ebb and flow of grief can overwhelm us as we recall special holiday moments with our loved ones. This is especially true in this season of COVID. Also, if we have lost our loved ones in the holiday season, grief can be even more intense.
Here are some Holiday Helps to cope with grief:
*Physical: You have the RIGHT to:
Watch your physical health by:
Engaging in physical activity, getting your beauty sleep, eating and drinking healthily, following COVID health guidelines of wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings.
*Emotional: You have the RIGHT to:
Feel and experience your emotions.
Allow personal times to feel your grief.
*Mental: You have the RIGHT to:
Have memories of happy holiday events.
Honor your loved ones by lighting a memorial candle, writing a letter or poem, doing something you enjoyed together. My Mom and I always toured our little hometown to look at the Christmas lights! I continue this with BO the Doggie who LOVES it as did our previous Baron!
Develop new rituals.
Be realistic: Decrease your expectations of self.
Reach out for help! See BELOW IN SOCIAL!
*Social: You have the RIGHT to:
Honor where you are.
Allow yourself time to be alone, or leave social events early, or not attend.
Get a gift for the needy or donate to a charity.
Spend time with a pet!! Or like my aunt, GET A PET!
Reach out for help if needed! Every state has a Crisis Helpline. The NATIONAL CRISIS HELPLINE AND PREVENTION SUICIDE LIFELINE is:
800-273-8255. PASS IT ON!
*Spiritual: You have the RIGHT to:
Embrace your spirituality, or not.
Search for meaning, ask WHY.
Spend time in nature.
Have a specific time for devotions/inspirational time.
Reach out to a spiritual resource if needed personally or by participating in live streaming, socially distanced services, or expressing needs through an online support group.
REMEMBER: YOU WILL SURVIVE AND HOPEFULLY SOMEDAY, THRIVE!
BLESSINGS IN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND BEYOND,
CAROLYN
