The holiday season can be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, for many in the process of healing from sex addiction or betrayal trauma, it can also bring unique challenges. We can be left feeling drained, overwhelmed, or even let down once the festivities end.
This emotional rollercoaster is normal, and we are not alone.
The Holiday Highs and Lows
The holidays often come with heightened expectations—family gatherings, gift-giving, traditions, and creating memories, which can create post-holiday exhaustion. For those of us healing, these moments can be complicated by feelings of vulnerability, unresolved wounds, or the pressure to present a “perfect” image to others.
When the decorations come down and the quiet returns, exhaustion often sets in. This exhaustion isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and spiritual. For individuals who are in the process of healing, the stark contrast between holiday busyness and post-holiday stillness can leave us feeling raw and unsettled.
Understanding the Exhaustion
- Emotional Overload: Navigating strained relationships, past trauma, or healing work amidst holiday chaos can tax our emotional reserves to the max.
- Triggers: The holidays might have surfaced triggers—whether through interactions, memories, or unmet expectations.
- Unmet Needs: In the hustle and bustle, we may have not prioritized self-care or set aside time for reflection and connection with our Higher Power.
- Dopamine Highs and Lows: The holiday season often provides multiple “hits” of dopamine—whether from the excitement of giving or receiving gifts, social interactions, or indulging in festive foods and traditions. These bursts of feel-good chemicals can create a temporary high, which may leave us feeling emotionally “crashed” once the holidays are over.
Restoring Balance After the Holidays
Here are some ways to navigate the post-holiday letdown with a healing mindset:
- Allow Yourself to Feel
Give yourself permission to sit with your emotions—whether they’re sadness, relief, or fatigue. Journaling or sharing in a safe support group, like SAL 12 Step can help process these feelings. - Recommit to Healing Practices
Holidays often disrupt routines. Now is the perfect time to refocus on daily habits that ground and strengthen: prayer, meditation, step work, or attending meetings. - Rebuild Emotional Reserves
Exhaustion can be a sign that emotional reserves are depleted. Self-care is essential and is not indulgent when we need replenishment—this might include rest, exercise, nourishing meals, meaningful connection, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy. - Lean Into Gratitude
Reflect on the season’s highlights, no matter how small. Gratitude doesn’t erase challenges but reminds us of the light within the dark. - Seek Connection, Not Perfection
Healing happens in relationships—with others and with God. Reach out to someone you trust, whether it’s a sponsor, friend, or Higher Power, and share your experience.
Embracing the Post-Holiday Stillness
Stillness can feel uncomfortable, but it also holds opportunities for growth. In the quiet, we can reflect on what the season taught us about our healing journey and consider what we’d like to carry forward.
Remember, the exhaustion you feel from post-holiday activities is not a failure—it’s a sign of the strength it took to navigate this season while holding space for healing. May we each be kind to ourselves as we ease into the rhythm of a new year, one step at a time.
