Thriving Through the Holidays: 12 Tips for Peace and Joy for Women of Faith

🌟 Navigate the Holidays with Ease! 🌟 

Join us in our latest podcast episode 23, "Thriving Through the Holidays: 12 Tips for Peace and Joy for Women of Faith," where we dive into practical tips for setting boundaries, creating personal sanctuaries, and prioritizing self-care during the festive season. 

🎄✨Listen now on your favorite podcast app 

#HolidayWellness #SelfCare #Boundaries #HolidaySeason #Podcast #womenoffaith

Transcript

Welcome to the The Positive Growth Doctor Podcast®! I am your host, Dr. Christina Wilson. 

As we inch closer to the Christmas holiday, we are preparing for gatherings. Christmas is often a time of cheer and joy. However, that is not always the case. 

While statistics vary, it is said that up to 70% of women have reported experiencing a traumatic event in their lifetime. That is huge! 

So, going back to holiday gatherings, let’s think about this. Many travel to their hometowns where they see people who were either involved in the traumatic event or were not supportive when they needed them to be. 

You might run into others who remind you of past trauma or go to places where the event occurred. 

In this episode, you can expect to gain valuable insights into managing holiday stress by understanding triggers and emotions related to past trauma. 

This episode aims to equip women with the tools needed to navigate family dynamics and maintain emotional well-being during the festive season.

Find the full transcript for this episode on your favorite podcast app. 

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Navigating Holiday Triggers: Understanding How Trauma Can Resurface During the Holiday Season

Unfortunately, the holidays are the perfect time for trauma to resurface. This manifests itself in a variety of ways. 

Triggers occur based on memories, dates, locations, traditions that serve as reminders of traumatic events. This time might evoke strong emotional responses to sensory triggers based on smells, sights, and sounds. 

Gatherings might bring up unresolved issues or conflicts. Interactions with certain family members might remind you of past traumas or of times you weren’t supported and create tension.

The pressure to maintain harmony or meet family expectations can be overwhelming, especially for those who have experienced trauma within the familial context.

The holiday season often comes with heightened expectations for happiness and socializing, which can be stressful for individuals dealing with trauma. It might even be a stressor for those who are neurodivergent or have anxiety. 

The busy nature of the holidays, with numerous events and obligations, can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or anxious.

For some, the holidays can highlight feelings of loneliness or remind them of loved ones who are no longer present, which can be particularly difficult for those who have experienced significant loss or trauma.

Embracing Emotional Reality: The Importance of Validating and Normalizing Feelings During the Holidays

Acknowledging these feelings affirms your emotional responses are legitimate and understandable given their past experiences.

It helps in reducing self-criticism or guilt for not feeling the expected "holiday cheer.”

Understanding that these feelings are common can help individuals feel less isolated or alone in their experiences.

It encourages open conversations with others who may be experiencing similar emotions, fostering a sense of community and support.

Recognizing these emotions as normal encourages self-compassion, allowing individuals to treat themselves with kindness and understanding.

It promotes a healthier mental state by reducing the pressure to conform to societal expectations of constant happiness.

Accepting these feelings as part of the healing process can empower individuals to seek out and utilize coping strategies effectively.

It can lead to proactive measures, such as setting boundaries, practicing self-care, or seeking professional support.

Acknowledgment of these feelings is a critical step in the journey toward healing, as it allows individuals to process their emotions constructively.

It opens the door to personal growth and resilience, reinforcing that it's okay to experience a range of emotions during this time.

Overall, recognizing these feelings as valid and normal is a vital aspect of emotional well-being, especially during the holiday season when past traumas can resurface.

Empowering Your Holiday Experience: Tips for Setting Boundaries, Creating Safe Spaces, and Prioritizing Self-Care

First, I want to remind you that Satan is the father of lies and your trauma does not define you. 

When you start ruminating on the past and holding onto it or even engaging in self-blame, that is not coming from God. 

That is coming from the darkness of Satan, who doesn’t want you to heal. He doesn’t want you to turn to God. 

The Psalms remind us that God heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. 

We can find solace in God’s truth and leave behind Satan’s lies about us.

So let's explore some tips for setting boundaries and managing expectations with family and friends

1. Communicate clearly and have open conversations with family and friends about your needs and limits. Let them know what you are comfortable with and what you are not.
2. Be Honest and Direct - Politely but firmly express your boundaries. For example, if certain topics are off-limits, make that clear in advance. You can excuse yourself if they continue to bring it up.
3. Set Realistic Expectations - Understand and communicate what you can realistically participate in during the holidays, whether it's attending events or contributing to preparations.
4. Practice Saying No - Remember that it's okay to decline invitations or requests that feel overwhelming or triggering. Prioritize your well-being.
5. Creating a Personal Sanctuary or Safe Space During Gatherings - Identify a room or corner where you can retreat if you need a moment of solitude. Fill it with comforting items like a favorite book, music, or a cozy blanket.
6. Use Grounding Techniques - Have tools on hand that help you stay grounded, such as stress balls, essential oils, or meditation apps.
7. Plan Short Breaks - Schedule brief, intentional breaks throughout the day to step away and recharge, even if it's just a walk around the block.
8. Create a Calming Ritual - Establish a simple ritual, like sipping tea or journaling, that you can do in your sanctuary to help center yourself.
9. The Importance of Self-Care and Taking Breaks and prioritizing rest - Ensure you're getting enough sleep and downtime. Rest is crucial for maintaining emotional and physical health.
10. Engage in Activities You Enjoy - Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, crafting, or taking a bath.
11. Listen to Your Body - Pay attention to signs of stress or fatigue and respond by taking breaks or adjusting your plans as needed.
12. Seek Support - Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, support groups, or professionals if you need someone to talk to or guidance on managing stress.

By setting boundaries, creating safe spaces, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate holiday gatherings with greater ease and maintain your emotional well-being.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and we will meet up next week for some preparations for the New Year. Be blessed!