Holidays can bring joy and good memories but can also be sad, anxiety-provoking or stressful for many people. It can be a happy season with fun and meaningful tradition for some, but it can be lonely or painful for others.
For those who lost someone, it can remind them that a loved one is not physically present anymore. Spending holidays with families that are going through or went through separations or big conflicts can be challenging. It also can remind you how lonely or far away you feel from loved ones. Or, on the other side of the spectrum, it can be a reminder of how unpleasant and stressful it can be to be around certain loved ones. And for many other people, it can be extra hard because they literally cannot financially afford food, gifts or be close to distant loved ones.
I don’t want to be a downer, but holidays may not be roses for many people!
And, I wanted to remind you that if you are fortunate to have a nice enough Holiday with people who care and love you, remember to be grateful. If you can afford to eat well, buy gifts or travel, be highly thankful because not everyone can have it.
Also, remember to show love and appreciation for those you love because you never know how long they will be around. And you may think they know you love them, but expressing it may be the best gift you can give – and that is free!
What to do if holidays make you feel lonely, sad or stressed?
And, if Holidays make you feel lonely, sad or stressed, some strategies can help you manage it in better ways.
I will share some general ideas below, but if you want to go deeper or have a more personalized strategy, request an appointment, and I will be happy to support you.
If loneliness is your case: did you know that many other people also feel the same way? You could find a place to volunteer and bring joy to someone else, which may help you feel more purposeful and joyful yourself. Or, you could be courageous to tell someone that you would love to spend the Holiday with them – it can be a relative, friend or even that crush.
If the holiday is sad for any reason: allow sadness for a while, and honor and express your emotions in healthy ways. They are valid and present for a reason. But don’t stay stuck in it, and be kind to yourself. Make plans that will help you feel good in some way.
Grief also can show up strongly around holidays. If you will miss someone, find a way to honor that person. For example, you can make an altar for them, write a letter, or wear an item to have their presence. If it feels right, you can even hold for them a place at the table and talk about good memories that include them.
If it’s stressful or anxiety-provoking: write about it in a journal. Express your thoughts and emotions and also seek to clarify what exactly is challenging for you. In addition, identify the triggers that make it difficult so you can plan how to manage the situation more consciously. For example, if it has to do with unpleasant relatives or situations, define what limits you need to set for yourself or them. You could limit your time near certain people, decline a particular invitation, or decide to make plans to make yourself happier.
Holidays can bring many different triggers, and I will not be able to think about all kinds of scenarios, but I hope I can give you an idea of how to improve it for you.
A meditation that can help
In addition, I also want to bring a particular meditation that I like a lot! It is a good reminder to do our best and trust in the unfoldment of life.
This meditation is called “Gokai.” They are the five Reiki Principles to help people become more aware and present with their attitude in life.
It’s recommended to repeat these affirmations daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. And if you do it with presence and really feeling them in your heart, it can help reduce anxiety and increase trust and joy.
I recorded it in a video in English and Portuguese as a way to encourage more people to do it. It makes a difference in my days, and I hope it does the same for you, and also I believe it can help you navigate the Holidays.
You can listen to the video daily or copy the words from the video description and do the affirmation on your own.
Video in Portuguese (Click Here)
Remember to be kind to yourself and enjoy the Holiday Season in the best way you can!
I am Iria Sebastião, MA Spiritual Life Coach. I bring the knowledge and skills of a licensed psychotherapist, life coach and intuitive healer to help you move from feeling lost, stuck or broken heart to creating the life you want.
Iria Sebastião, MA – Spiritual Coach & Catalyst for Personal Change
You can request an appointment here.
