Holiday Self-Care For The Grieving Heart (Practical Tips For Healing) with Kelley Workman

Understanding Grief's Journey

Kelley explains that grief moves through distinct stages, though not always in a linear way. The initial denial often comes first - that period where we can't quite believe what's happened. This shifts into anger as reality sets in, followed by bargaining as we wrestle with "what ifs."

Depression and acceptance follow, though Kelley emphasizes that acceptance doesn't mean "getting over it." Instead, she beautifully describes grief as becoming a room in our house: "Your grief and your joy coexist. Think of it like a house with many rooms - one is for grief, another for being a mom, another for joy. Different doors open at different times."

Key stages of grief:

• Denial - Initial shock and disbelief

• Anger - Processing painful emotions

• Bargaining - Questioning and wondering

• Depression - Moving through sadness

• Acceptance - Learning to live with loss

Creating New Holiday Traditions

The holiday season often brings memories of traditions shared with loved ones. Kelley encourages finding ways to honor these memories while creating space for new ones. This might mean adapting old traditions or starting fresh ones that feel authentic to where you are now.

One powerful tool Kelley suggests is creating a memory box. Fill it with notes about special moments, funny stories, or cherished memories. Her daughter, who was four when her father passed, remembers eating Cheetos on the bed while watching cartoons with him - these simple, precious memories deserve to be preserved.

Ways to honor memories while moving forward:

• Create a memory box with written stories and mementos

• Look at holiday lights with friends

• Start a new tradition that feels meaningful to you

• Plant a tree or name a star in their memory

• Take a special trip to a meaningful place

Finding Light Through Service

Kelley shares that one of the most healing paths through grief is helping others. "When you leave your own problems behind and help someone who is struggling, the feeling of gratitude for your own existence is amplified," she explains.

Simple ways to give back during the holidays:

• Read to children at local schools

• Support women's shelters

• Join holiday toy drives

• Help at food banks

• Visit senior centers

Supporting Those Who Grieve

For friends wanting to support someone through grief, Kelley emphasizes that presence matters more than words. Skip the platitudes about "better places" and instead show up with practical support and a listening heart.

Meaningful ways to help:

• Listen without trying to fix

• Bring nourishing meals

• Help with household tasks

• Offer to go on walks together

• Create space for all emotions

Gentle Self-Care Through Grief

Kelley understands how grief affects our whole being. She encourages gentle movement and simple nourishment rather than strict wellness plans. Sometimes this means just walking barefoot in the grass to feel grounded, or having protein shakes when solid food feels challenging.

Simple ways to nurture yourself:

• Take short walks in nature

• Try gentle stretching

• Focus on simple, nourishing foods

• Practice grounding exercises

• Rest when you need to

A Final Note of Hope

Remember, there's no "right" way to navigate grief during the holidays. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel, to say yes or no as needed, and to honor your journey in whatever way feels true to you.

As Kelley beautifully shares: "My life is amazing now. I wish he was here to see it - what has become of all of us, because we have continued to thrive and remember him with great gratitude and joy for all that he gave us in the time that he was here."

May you find gentle ways to honor both your loss and your light this holiday season. Your journey is your own, and you deserve all the grace and understanding you need along the way.

Grieving Resources:

• Grief Support Group

• Bereavement Resources

About our guest: As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Kelley Workman is your partner in this holistic approach to improving each area in your life that contributes to overall health and happiness. She’s empowered to help you change your life and teach you how to nourish yourself in many ways.

• Website: kelleymoves.com

• Instagram: instagram.com/kelley_moves