Self-Care During the Holidays
The holiday season is approaching, and while many of us look forward to celebrating with family and friends, this time of year can present some unique challenges for individuals and families impacted by or experiencing domestic violence. It’s hard to be surrounded by joy when you’re healing from trauma.
If you are currently experiencing abuse, just left an abuser, it’s your first holiday sharing custody of children, or it may be your first holiday all on your own. No matter where you’re at in life, remember that it is important to take care of yourself during this upcoming holiday season.
Self-care is essential to overcome any trauma and it can feel unfamiliar or strange when you first start. The first thing to remember is that the abuse that happened that happened to you was not your fault. Domestic violence stems from the abuser wanting power and control over another, you are NEVER the cause for abuse.
Here are some tips on how to practice self-care during the holiday season:
Person holding mug, wrapped in a blanket.
Remember that not every invitation needs to be accepted: It’s okay to decline an invitation, even at the last minute. Large get-togethers can cause feelings of anxiety for survivors, especially if there is a risk that their abuser will be in attendance.
Think safety: Make sure you always have a safety plan in place during the holidays, if you are living with or spending time around an abusive partner. Unsure what a safety plan is or where to start… contact Journey Center, we can help.
Try something different: New beginnings are often a perfect time to establish new traditions. Embrace the opportunity to explore or do something different OR bring back old traditions you used to enjoy, before the abuse.
Choose something you can look forward to: Make sure your physical needs are being met. Try yoga, dancing, running, walking, or a kick boxing class. Lighting a candle or picking up a fresh bouquet of flowers for your environment are also forms of self-care that can lift spirits and remind you that it’s the little things, and the safety of you and your family, that matters most.
Set boundaries: You get to decide if you want to spend time with family, and how much time you spend. If you need a break from family, consider starting some new traditions that provide you with comfort during the holiday season.
Establish a safety plan and talk with someone you trust: Anxiety attacks and flashbacks can be triggered by seemingly ordinary experiences, such as smells or sounds. Some triggers may be unavoidable, so it is important to have a plan in place for how to cope if you encounter a trigger. Share your plan with someone you trust and have a small list of close friends or family members you can rely on for in-the-moment support.For anyone new to self-care, this may seem like a lot. Remember, you don’t have to do these examples all at once. Pick one or two ideas that feel doable to you and start your self-care journey from there. The holidays can be a time for new beginnings, new traditions and finding your joy again!
You might feel like you’re all alone in this new and difficult journey, but trust us, you’re not. We are always here for you when you need to talk. Call or text our 24-Hour Helpline: 216.391.4357 (HELP) or live chat.