Brain Injury: Surviving the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, you may have mixed feelings about gathering with friends and family. You might be excited about reconnecting with loved ones. Or you might even feel anxious about interacting with friends and family. Or you may even plan to spend the holidays alone.
Whatever your plans, the holiday season might be accompanied by many different feelings and challenges. There may be feelings of loss or sadness about all that has changed in your life. It is also common to feel stressed or anxious. You’ve been through a life-transforming event. This holiday season might feel and look different than holidays in the past.
Here are a few strategies to help you navigate the holiday season.
Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to have hard days – even on Christmas. You may be living with new limits and challenges.
Take time to rest. Give yourself the gift of a time-out this holiday season. Allow for some personal time to recharge. Rest is a crucial part of your brain’s natural healing process. You may even want to plan for a little extra rest – sneak in an extra nap or go to bed a little earlier.
Notice when you are feeling overstimulated. It is quite common to feel overwhelmed by noise, crowds, lights, too much interaction with others, etc. following a brain injury. Earplugs and sunglasses can be helpful in some situations. If you are traveling in a car, an eye mask might be helpful for visual stimuli. If you are attending an event with several people, consider standing near the edge of the room or close to a door. You might consider finding a comfortable chair to sit in during the gathering.
It’s okay to say no and set limits. You can choose which events you would like to attend. If you choose to attend a function, you might consider reaching out in advance to speak to the host about the possibility of needing a quiet space to recharge during the event or gathering. You may decide to shorten your visit or go to an event for a brief period before retreating to your home or quiet space.
Make lists. Lists help you stay organized. Consider breaking larger tasks down into smaller lists. Having a plan can help reduce some of the stress that comes with the holidays.
Limit or avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol can slow down brain processes. If you decide to drink, stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods.
Reach out. Find someone that will be available to you during the holidays should you need to talk (e.g., a fellow brain injury survivor, clergy, friend, counselor, etc.). Sometimes, family and friends lack understanding about the impact of brain injury. You may even be estranged from your family. Whatever your circumstance, it is important to prioritize your well-being.
