5 Post-Thanksgiving Self-Care Tips: Healing After a Holiday That Was Anything but Joyful
All right, friends, let’s talk about self-care—real self-care.
Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a time for gratitude, family, and connection. But for many, it’s a season that brings up complex emotions: the pain of loss, the tension of difficult family dynamics, or the loneliness of estrangement.
The pressure to feel joyful and grateful can leave you emotionally drained, questioning how to bounce back and find your footing. That’s where intentional self-care comes in—not as a buzzword, but as a way to recharge your emotional batteries and find a sense of peace.
Here are five self-care tips to help you navigate and heal after a holiday that may have been anything but joyful.
Tip #1: Redefine What Self-Care Looks Like
Bubble baths, scented candles, and a glass of wine might sound like the ultimate self-care package. While these things can be enjoyable, they don’t always address what you truly need to feel grounded after an emotionally taxing holiday.
Why this matters:
Real self-care is about meeting your deeper emotional and physical needs. If Thanksgiving stirred up feelings of grief, tension, or isolation, surface-level comforts may not provide the recharge you need.
Try this instead:
Take some time to reflect on what truly restores you. Maybe it’s journaling to process your emotions, scheduling time with a supportive friend, or even carving out a day to do absolutely nothing.
Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the best thing you can do is listen to yourself and honor what feels most supportive.
Tip #2: Give Yourself Permission to Feel Everything
One of the most common post-holiday struggles is the pressure to “just move on.” But emotions don’t operate on a timeline, and pretending to feel fine when you don’t will only make things harder.
Why this matters:
Grief, disappointment, or frustration don’t disappear simply because the holiday has passed. Allowing yourself to feel your emotions—without judgment—is a powerful act of self-care.
Try this instead:
Set aside time to check in with yourself. Ask:
What am I feeling right now?
What do I need to feel supported?
How can I give myself permission to sit with these feelings instead of pushing them away?
Journaling or talking with someone you trust can help you work through those emotions in a safe and compassionate way.
Tip #3: Break Free from the “Holiday Shoulds”
There’s a lot of pressure during the holidays to show up a certain way—to smile through tension, to reconnect with estranged family, or to create the perfect meal or moment. After the holiday, these "shoulds" can linger, making you question whether you did enough or why the experience didn’t match your expectations.
Why this matters:
Carrying the weight of unmet expectations is exhausting. Letting go of what you “should” have done or felt allows you to focus on what you actually need moving forward.
Try this instead:
Remind yourself that it’s okay to create your own traditions or boundaries. Reflect on what didn’t serve you this Thanksgiving and how you can honor your needs more fully next time.
For example, if being around certain family members drained you, consider spending the next holiday with friends, traveling or even solo. You get to decide what feels right for you.
Tip #4: Reconnect with What Brings You Joy
When the holiday feels heavy, it can overshadow the things that genuinely bring light and happiness to your life. Recharging means making space for the activities, people, and experiences that remind you of who you are outside of the holiday stress.
Why this matters:
Joy isn’t about ignoring your struggles—it’s about balancing them with moments that make your heart feel lighter.
Try this instead:
Think about something that sparks joy for you and schedule time to do it this week. Whether it’s listening to your favorite music, binge-watching a comfort show, or taking a long walk in nature, these small moments can help you reset and recharge.
Tip #5: Ask for Help When You Need It
One of the hardest but most important forms of self-care is recognizing when you can’t do it all alone. Whether it’s seeking professional support or simply talking to a trusted friend, asking for help can make a huge difference in how you move forward.
Why this matters:
Isolation often compounds the emotional weight of a tough holiday. Reaching out creates space for connection and support, reminding you that you don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
Try this instead:
Reach out to a therapist, support group, or friend and say, “This holiday was tough, and I could really use someone to talk to.” If that feels too hard, consider writing down your thoughts or exploring therapy options online.
Wrapping It Up
If the holiday left you feeling anything but joyful, remember that you’re not alone. Self-care isn’t about perfection or checking off boxes—it’s about meeting yourself where you are and giving yourself what you need to feel supported.
If you’re ready to take the next step in prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being, I’m here to help.
Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s create a self-care plan that works for you.
Until Next Time,
Chrys OUT! xoxoxoxoxo
