69. Grieving Through The Holidays: Rituals, Rest, And Realistic Expectations The Nurses' Breakroom With Jenny Lytle, RN podcast

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69. Grieving Through the Holidays: Rituals, Rest, and Realistic Expectations

14d ago 8:02

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In this episode of The Nurses’ Break Room with Jenny Lytle, RN, we talk about something many people quietly carry this time of year: grief during the holidays. Whether you’re missing a person, a relationship, or a season of life, the holiday season can magnify those emotions.

You’ll learn simple, compassionate ways to navigate grief, honor your loved ones, stay connected, and support your mental and emotional health—without pretending everything is “fine.”

What we cover:

Why holiday grief feels so intense
How to let yourself feel without judgment
Simple ways to honor loved ones during the season
What “Blue Christmas” and longest night services offer
Staying connected instead of isolating
Journaling + talking to your loved one as emotional support
How to care for your body when grief drains your energy
Giving yourself permission to simplify traditions

Takeaways + Action Steps:

✔ Let emotions rise and fall without forcing cheerfulness
✔ Create one simple ritual to honor your loved one
✔ Reach out to one safe person when grief feels heavy
✔ Make a short self-care plan: sleep, hydration, gentle movement
✔ Release “shoulds” and do only what feels supportive this year

Perfect for anyone grieving, supporting a griever, or navigating seasonal depression.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or like there’s never enough time, I’ve got something just for you! Head to https://selfcareisntselfish.com to grab your FREE copy of my book, Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: The Compassionate Nurse’s Step-by-Step Guide to Personalized Stress Relief. It’s packed with simple, effective strategies to help you prioritize your needs—without guilt—so you can feel energized, focused, and ready to take on the day. Go to https://selfcareisntselfish.com

Feeling stressed? Grab my quick and easy Busy Nurses' Guide to Less Stress for practical stress relief that truly fits into your life! https://www.jennylytle.com/guide

Looking for connection with people who get the stress and self-care struggles of nurses and caregivers? Check out https://thenursesbreakroom.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylytlern/
More ways to connect here: https://linktr.ee/jennylytle

Chapters

1. 69. Grieving Through the Holidays: Rituals, Rest, and Realistic Expectations (00:00:00)

2. Welcome And Topic: Holiday Grief (00:01:27)

3. Permission To Feel And Validate Emotions (00:02:12)

4. Rituals To Honor Loved Ones (00:02:48)

5. Choose Connection And Community Support (00:03:44)

6. Personal Losses And Blue Christmas (00:05:11)

7. Talking To The Person You Miss (00:06:27)

8. Care For Your Body While Grieving (00:07:18)

9. Practical Self-Kindness Reminders (00:07:29)

10. Fuel And Hydration Basics For Energy (00:07:56)

11. Closing: Pain And Joy Can Coexist (00:08:10)

12. Gentle Movement And Self-Compassion (00:08:28)

71 episodes