EAP 97: Holiday Hacks - Handling Sadness and a Lack of Holiday Cheer

On this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, Kimi discusses one final “holiday hack”: how to handle the holidays when they are not a happy time for you. Kimi became keenly aware of the difficult emotions that some people face during this time of year when she was working with sexual abuse survivors who explained that often times going home to visit family means having to face their abusers. If you have experienced a trauma like sexual abuse, lost a loved one, gone through the ending of a relationship or life situation, had unmet expectations, or had financial struggles that have made the holidays an unhappy time, there are ways that you can try to work through these difficulties and enjoy the holidays more than you thought possible. 1. Be ok with your process – Don’t expect more of yourself than is feasible right now. Accept how you are feeling and where you are in your process, recognizing that everyone’s process looks different. 2. Seek professional help – Whether you currently see a therapist for your struggles or not, the holidays may be a great time to consider talking with someone, especially if you recognize that you might be triggered during this time of year. If you are not comfortable with a one-on-one setting, look for support groups in your community or church that could meet your needs. 3. Take care of yourself – As simple as it sounds, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, setting up an exercise routine, and being aware of the things that might trip you up can make all the difference in how you handle the holidays. 4. Resist the urge to overcommit – Be realistic with your time and capacity in order to keep your mental clarity. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep and avoid becoming involved in a lot of things just to avoid your feelings. 5. Try something different – If your family traditions are not beneficial for you right now, start a new tradition or go on a new adventure. People may be disappointed at first, but they will understand that you are doing what is best for you. If you are going to be spending time with someone who is struggling this holiday season, focus on respecting their space while supporting them. Ask them how they are really doing and let them know you are there for them without being pushy. In short: be the friend they need right now. Topics Covered in this Episode: • Handling the holidays when they are not a happy time • Being sensitive of others who may be struggling • Doing what is best for you • Facing loss during the holidays Connect with Kimi: http://www.kimiwalker.com/ https://web.facebook.com/kimiwalker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker