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While the holidays are a joyous time for many, it is important to remember that life and loss continue regardless of the calendar date. Some may have had to deal with loss of a loved one over the holidays. Dealing with grief during a time when others are celebrating may create inner conflict within—feeling pressured to set aside grief during a time of celebration.
However, after experiencing a loss, it is necessary to give yourself permission to grieve. Such feelings are so powerful that if they go unexpressed or unaddressed, they can eventually manifest in physical illness.
If you are dealing with a loss suffered during the holidays, here is a simple list of actions you can take to help deal with your grief.
- First, you must take care of your physical needs. Keep it simple. Drink water throughout the day. Eat nourishing foods, as the immune system is compromised with grief.
- Be sure to get enough sleep. Grief takes a lot of energy.
- Keep your body moving, even if it is going for a walk around the block.
- Stay away from things like alcohol, drugs, and caffeine whenever possible.
- Do your best and be kind to yourself. The holidays are already a stressful time of year, without the added stress of mourning a loss. If you are authentic in your behavior and do your best, you are more likely to secure a positive outcome.
- Take interior time for yourself. This can be done through journaling, meditation, and prayer, as well as any creative activity that allows you to express actively what is difficult to communicate orally, such as painting, arts, and crafts, music.
- Find a grief counselor to guide you and your family through the process. Do this so that at a certain time, on a specific date, you will confront your grief in a safe environment. .
The important thing to remember is to treat yourself without guilt, judgment, or criticism. Be gentle with yourself, be kind to yourself, and in time, you will come out of the darkness.
