Tips for Dealing with Holiday Grief

People coping with the stress of losing a beloved feel further overwhelmed and stressed during the holiday season. It’s natural to be engulfed by the memories of good, fun times spent with the departed soul. 

If you’re feeling irritated and drained during this holiday season, here are some of the ways to keep holiday stress in control.   

Psychologists recommend the bereaved be proactive during the holiday season and plan their vacations beforehand. Don’t leave things until the last day and complete your activities like shopping, buying and wrapping gifts, etc. a couple of days before the vacation, instead of burdening yourself at the last moment.   

Planning ahead helps you take control of your schedule and makes tasks easier to manage. Also, you get to spend quality time while making your pre-plans that divert your mind off the painful memories of the loved one.   

Grief is a natural process without linear events. You can’t predict when bouts of anger and grief overwhelm you. For this reason, embrace your feelings and flow with the emotions if they arise, rather than feeling weak or vulnerable.  

Stay positive and motivated and believe that you’re doing the best you can. Also, don’t expect too much of yourself and set realistic expectations during the holiday season. Don’t make a tightly packed schedule that you don’t have time for yourself. Evaluate what you are going to easily accomplish and commit to things you will love to do.  

Learn to say no to your friends’ call to do something that might overwhelm you. Don’t overburden your body just to stay the whole night dancing and partying. Tell the host beforehand that you might not able to stay there throughout.   

You should try indulging in new, fun activities and traditions as they can give you much-needed break from old memories. Sometimes, the longstanding family traditions can be painful for a person grieving the loss of a loved one. That’s why many psychologists recommend taking a break from usual traditions for a year, or maybe two, and then resume them if you want.  

What new traditions you want to set or indulge in is up to your conscience. But always go for activities that give your joy and peace of mind.  

Lastly, and most importantly, fuel your body and brain and indulge in stress-reducing activities. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and tend to spend more time in the company of friend and family members that care for you.  

Stress and grief often take a toll on your both physical and mental health. That’s why you should give sufficient time to things that relax or comfort you. Taking out 10 minutes to do breathing meditation, yoga, or a walk in the park alone can reduce your stress levels immediately, even if you have to arrange or attend services at funeral homes Bethlehem, PA.