Quick guide for surviving the holiday season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, most families are faced with the reality of a different world. Whether that be a missing pe at the table, financial instability, or exhaustion from what the year have put us through. Grief and loss are realites I know too well, trying to survive the traditions that are not the same, trying to maintain a face of optimism when you see no hope. Nonetheless, time waits for no one. So how do we make it, without as many mental breakdowns?

First, check in, come to the nest. Make a post or two about the dry Mac and cheese, or contact fellow members to rant about the exhaustion holidays.

Second, try following this guide below for mental awareness and clarity...

• Be honest. Tell people what you do want to do for the holidays and what you do not want to do.

• Listen to yourself, trust yourself, communicate with your family, and do what works for you.

• Make a list. Grief makes it harder for us to concentrate and remember things. When you have a lot going on at the holidays, make a list even if you aren’t usually a list-maker, and write things on the calendar to help keep you organised and less stressed.

• Make Time for Your Passion Project. If you selected the right passion project, and you set a goal that excites you, coming up with the time to work on your passion project should be a lot more doable than you probably think that it is right now.

• Make efforts towards mindfulness, healthy lifestyle and stress management – this is very personal and different for each person. For some it may be meditating for 15 minutes every morning or going for a brisk walk and for others getting a massage is helpful.

Third, listen to this TED Talk I found useful for navigating grief.

No matter what your plans are this holiday season, stay warm, stay aware, and stay safe. and no matter what be ready to soar.

love you,

Byrd