This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment and be entered to win a $25 Amazon GC!
Navigating Holiday Anxiety as a Trauma Survivor: Your Guide to a Relaxed and Joyful Season
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, love, and togetherness. However, for trauma survivors, it can bring forth a unique set of challenges and triggers that can intensify anxiety. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies and self-care tips to help you navigate and survive holiday anxiety, allowing you to embrace a relaxed and joyful season.
1. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings:
As a trauma survivor, it’s essential to recognize that your anxiety during the holidays is valid. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions that arise and understand that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Take time to acknowledge and validate your feelings, allowing yourself the space to heal.
2. Plan Ahead and Set Boundaries:
One effective way to manage holiday anxiety is through planning. Create a structured schedule that includes rest periods, self-care activities, and time for relaxation. Setting boundaries with others is equally important. Communicate your needs and limits to your loved ones, ensuring you have the space and support you require.
3. Practice Self-Care:
Self-care is crucial for trauma survivors, especially during the holiday season. Engage in activities that bring you comfort and peace, whether it’s taking a warm bath, practicing mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in creative outlets. Prioritize self-care and listen to your body’s needs to maintain a sense of calm and well-being. Books were always a source of self-care during the active-abuse still afterward. Escaping into a great book can be the needed reset!
4. Seek Support:
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can provide a sense of validation and comfort. Consider joining support groups or seeking therapy to navigate holiday anxiety more effectively.
5. Modify Traditions to Suit Your Needs:
Traditions can be comforting, but they can also trigger anxiety for trauma survivors. Modify or create new traditions that align with your healing journey. Give yourself permission to say no to certain activities or events that may be overwhelming. Focus on activities that promote your well-being and bring you joy.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques:
During moments of heightened anxiety, practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques can be immensely helpful. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or focusing on your senses can help you stay present and grounded. Incorporate these techniques into your daily routine to manage anxiety effectively.
Surviving holiday anxiety as a trauma survivor requires self-compassion, planning, and self-care. By acknowledging your feelings, setting boundaries, seeking support, modifying traditions, and practicing mindfulness, you can navigate the holiday season with a sense of relaxation and joy. Remember, you deserve a peaceful and fulfilling holiday experience, tailored to your unique needs.
“Battle-Scars: Hated. Isolated. Wronged. Disregarded.
Those WERE some of the challenges faced by the authors of GOD Says I am Battle-Scar Free.
PRIZED! ESTEEMED! CHOSEN! POLISHED!
With a personal relationship with God, that is how those same people feel today.
In this seventh and final installment of the Battle-Scar Free series, testimonies are shared from women and men who have “”been there, done that.”” They come from various walks of life but share one common story: They are SURVIVORS.
Amid a global pandemic (COVID-19), these contributors sought and found healing of their hearts, minds, and souls. Through the expression of their truths, you will be inspired to fight another day. Despite the obstacles they faced, the power of their words and belief in an Almighty God attributed to their very survival.
READ…for understanding.
READ…to be empowered.
READ…for freedom.
READ TO BE BATTLE-SCAR FREE!”
I am a single mother of 3 (and Nana to one) who survived 23+ years of sexual and domestic abuse, in ALL forms. I work for a federal social services organization, and also am a DV advocate, and activist, speaker, author, writer, and blogger. My blog (http://www.dvwalkingwounded.me/) is a mental health blog for victims and survivors of DV. I am on a journey of rediscovery, after DV, and I hope to help others to do the same.
http://www.dvwalkingwounded.me/
https://www.Facebook.com/dvwalkingwounded
https://www.Twitter.com/Lmgoodwin1203
https://a.co/d/2R03dvA
This is all excellent advice.
Thank you Lydia! I’m SO glad you enjoyed this! I love to help others! <3
Great tips. Fellow trauma-survivor, too. Been experiencing amazing healing the past 12-18 months (started different therapies 4 years ago and have been consistently working at it). I can finally say so many of those things of the past, mentioned in your post, are just that – things of my past. I NEVER thought this was achievable. In fact, I don’t know what I thought would happen when I started trying different modalities, but I can assure you it wasn’t this. Even at 59 with CPTSD from many types of trauma, it’s possible to heal; it’s never too late to try.
So glad to meet you, Annette, and glad you’re safe! You’re also the winner of the Amazon G/C! If you can email me your email address, I’ll get the Amazon G/C to you this week!
So glad to meet you, Annette, and glad you’re safe! You’re also the winner of the Amazon G/C! If you can email me your email address, I’ll get the Amazon G/C to you this week!