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https://nerdist.com/article/stranger-things-5-finally-understands-what-eddie-munson-death-meant/
In Stranger Things 5, Eddie Munson returns to haunt the narrative. Dustin Henderson’s overwhelming grief and pain at the loss of him, and Steve Harrington’s more complex version of the same, color every interaction between the beloved Stranger Things duo in their final chapters. And this invocation of his ghostly presence allows Eddie’s arc in the series to finally find a more restful conclusion than the one it was initially given. While Eddie was a beloved character in Stranger Things 4, the shape of his story and the conclusions the show seemed to invite us to draw from it left many of his fans ultimately unsatisfied. In Stranger Things 5, the narrative revisits its thoughts on Eddie’s legacy, his bravery, and his death. And thankfully, it adjusts them in ways that make much more sense for the character. Would it have been better to bring Eddie Munson back to life on Stranger Things? Definitely. But is this more than I expected for Eddie? Also yes.
I won’t go into my full argument about why Eddie’s death on Stranger Things was neither noble nor necessary in this piece. If you want to revisit that particular discussion, you can head to my article about it here.
But I will return to the series’ concluding thoughts about Eddie in Stranger Things 4, which left a truly bad taste in my mouth. In the scene between Dustin and Wayne Munson, Dustin tells Wayne, “I wish everyone had gotten to know him. Really know him. Because they would have loved him… Even in the end, he never stopped being Eddie, despite everything. I never even saw him get mad. He could have run. He could have saved himself. But he fought. He fought and died to protect this town. This town that hated him. He isn’t just innocent… He’s a hero.” And this sentiment, taken together with the rest of Eddie’s scenes in the series, creates a kind of thesis for his whole arc, which roughly translates to: “Eddie had previously been a selfish coward, but when he finally turned to face danger and died for the town that hated him, he could, at last, be called a hero.”
As I’ve said before, this takeaway, as presented by Stranger Things 4, is total nonsense. The framing of Eddie’s death as a noble sacrifice that he willingly made to save Hawkins, a town that happily crucified him without a thought, does not remotely do the character justice. As an Othered individual who made space for those around him to be themselves in a suffocating, judgmental world, the idea that Eddie’s worth would be measured by a desire to die so that the town that stood for everything he most hated could survive is an insult at best.
It’s an insult to character. But more importantly, it’s an insult to the very real people who saw themselves represented in Eddie in our own world. A slap in the face to all the lost sheep who watched Stranger Things and loved the character that was brave in his rejection of norms and strong in his convictions to his true self… Only to see the story explain that his bravery only existed when falling on the sword to protect those who hated him.
In all honesty, I never thought I’d even remotely get over that conclusion. But perhaps, upon reflection, or perhaps bolstered by some of the real-world sentiments about Eddie, Stranger Things 5 manages to revisit the show’s conclusions about Eddie Munson and shift them to a more appropriate place. It’s a place that perhaps doesn’t feel good (only allowing Eddie to fully live his life would do that), but it is palatable and eases some of the anger in my chest. And like many good things on the show, it involves Steve and Dustin.
“He saved no one.” Steve Harrington tells an irate Dustin Henderson as they finally have their all-out fight about the ghost of Eddie between them in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2. “That night, I told you not to be heroes. I told both of you. What did Eddie do? He charged into a swarm of killer bats… Eddie wanted to play hero, and he made a dumb call, and he got himself killed.” Although Steve’s angry retort sounds harsh on the outset, his framing of Eddie’s death, both on the surface and deeper in its nuances, is miles better than the previous version Stranger Things offered us.
Honestly, even just on the face of it, as mean it might be in situ, the narrative telling us on-screen that Eddie’s death was not some mandatory act of nobility, but, in fact, needn’t have happened at all is already a major improvement on its previous take. Someone saying out loud that Eddie didn’t have to die, that he didn’t have to martyr himself for Hawkins to be important, is so much better than the notion that there was anything inherently heroic in his sacrifice.
Of course, the idea that Eddie was just dumb and only wanted to be a hero for heroism’s sake is all wrong. But, while that’s what Steve is saying with his words, it’s not really what he means. If we take a closer look at his outburst over Eddie in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, Steve’s anger doesn’t really have to do with Eddie charging into a sea of demobats. No, the emotional eruption is about how “all of [Dustin’s] bullshit, pushing everyone away,” pushing Steve away for the last 18 months, was caused by Eddie’s death. His anger comes from the way Eddie’s choices shattered Dustin, and by proxy, Steve, who loves him.
In fact, Steve is basically saying what all of Eddie’s fans have been saying since Stranger Things 4: that everything would have been much better if Eddie Munson had prioritized staying alive. That his life, his love, and his impact on everyone around him would have been much more worth it than his death. In the implications of Steve’s sentiments, we receive that Eddie touched Dustin so deeply and changed his life so thoroughly that without him, Dustin is falling apart. Eddie’s greatest achievement is not some selfless sacrifice for Hawkins, but the way his love touched Dustin.
Dustin’s words about Eddie in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, long-bubbling in his chest, are an even more fitting summation of why Eddie is a hero on Stranger Things. Possibly, the best summation we’ve heard to date on the series. Although the sentiments are pointed to cut Steve, it doesn’t make them any less true. Dustin says that Eddie was “a real friend, who actually believed in me, who was actually kind to me. He wasn’t perfect, but at least he knew that… He was never fake. He didn’t care what other people thought about him. He was just himself. And you know what, he was the smartest, kindest person I’ve ever met.”
In Stranger Things 4, Eddie himself, with the backup singer of the narrative, was so focused on how he was a coward and not a hero that it was hard to hear anything else. But the idea of Eddie being the kindest person on Stranger Things is so apt and so obvious to anyone who really stopped to think about the character. Eddie was kind to Dustin. He was kind to Chrissy. He was not a fearsome tough guy; he was soft, he cried easily, and he wore his heart on his sleeve. And that is EXACTLY why Eddie was so great. None of these parts of him were cowardly, as the narrative previously suggested; “kind” is SUCH a better description and a much better frame for understanding everything Eddie did during his time on the show than “cowardly.”
Then, of course, there’s the crux of it, for Dustin, for viewers, for everyone. The true bravery of Eddie on Stranger Things, the true strength of him. Dustin says, “He was just himself.” And in being just himself, he made a space for Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and the rest to be just themselves, too. He bravely put himself out there despite any personal cost to show those whom he loved that it was okay to embrace who they were, too, society be damned.
More than anything, Eddie deserves to be honored for his bravery in making a safe space for those around him. And Stranger Things 5 finally makes some room for that on-screen, overtly praising Eddie for being “just himself,” and being “kind,” for believing in Dustin. And that is a heck of a lot better than the show trying to sell Eddie being a “hero” because he “fought and died to protect this town. This town that hated him.”
Ultimately, after the anger between Steve and Dustin subsides, Steve offers us a new conclusion about why Eddie is a hero and what his death really meant on Stranger Things. Steve gives us this new last thought about Eddie in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2. “Eddie… He saved your life. Our lives. And I know what he meant to you. I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been.” Eddie’s true legacy on Stranger Things is Dustin. Eddie taught Dustin the most important lessons of his life, a slew of sentiments that Dustin holds close to his chest now, that he’s learned to embrace, that he’ll no doubt teach others around him in need of guidance.
If Eddie died to save Dustin’s life, not to save Hawkins, not to help those that hated him, but to save Dustin, then I accept Eddie’s death as worth it on Stranger Things. And although we, as Eddie’s fans, already knew this to be a truer explanation of Eddie’s sacrifice, Stranger Things 5 finally seems to offer us that perspective as well. Finally, we hear that Eddie died so that Dustin can go on living another day. Dustin, whom Eddie taught that he doesn’t have to be scared to be who he is, Dustin, who finally realized doesn’t need to change because of Eddie, Dustin, whom Eddie loved and loved him back. That is a heroic sacrifice.
Do I think that Eddie deserved to have remained alive on Stranger Things, to triumph over those who hated him, reign victorious in the glory of living his unruly life, and deliver his sheepies to the promised land? Definitely, yes. Do I wish Eddie could have come back from the dead for another chance to do the very same? 100%, yes.
Does it ease something inside of me that the final mentions of Eddie’s sacrifice in Stranger Things 5 are no longer “he died protecting the people who hated him and that made him a hero” and instead, “he died protecting the person he most loved, who will carry on his legacy and ensure his kindness and strength be remembered for what they were…“ Also, yes. Stranger Things‘ treatment of Eddie Munson and his death will forever hurt my heart, but I’m glad, at least, that it finally seems to understand him.
(Bring Eddie back, you cowards.)
Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 and Volume 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She’s spent way too long thinking about Stranger Things’ Steve, Dustin, and Eddie, but they are the best parts of the narrative.
The post Eddie Munson Finally Gets His Due on STRANGER THINGS 5 appeared first on Nerdist.
In Stranger Things 5, Eddie Munson returns to haunt the narrative. Dustin Henderson’s overwhelming grief and pain at the loss of him, and Steve Harrington’s more complex version of the same, color every interaction between the beloved Stranger Things duo in their final chapters. And this invocation of his ghostly presence allows Eddie’s arc in the series to finally find a more restful conclusion than the one it was initially given. While Eddie was a beloved character in Stranger Things 4, the shape of his story and the conclusions the show seemed to invite us to draw from it left many of his fans ultimately unsatisfied. In Stranger Things 5, the narrative revisits its thoughts on Eddie’s legacy, his bravery, and his death. And thankfully, it adjusts them in ways that make much more sense for the character. Would it have been better to bring Eddie Munson back to life on Stranger Things? Definitely. But is this more than I expected for Eddie? Also yes.
I won’t go into my full argument about why Eddie’s death on Stranger Things was neither noble nor necessary in this piece. If you want to revisit that particular discussion, you can head to my article about it here.
But I will return to the series’ concluding thoughts about Eddie in Stranger Things 4, which left a truly bad taste in my mouth. In the scene between Dustin and Wayne Munson, Dustin tells Wayne, “I wish everyone had gotten to know him. Really know him. Because they would have loved him… Even in the end, he never stopped being Eddie, despite everything. I never even saw him get mad. He could have run. He could have saved himself. But he fought. He fought and died to protect this town. This town that hated him. He isn’t just innocent… He’s a hero.” And this sentiment, taken together with the rest of Eddie’s scenes in the series, creates a kind of thesis for his whole arc, which roughly translates to: “Eddie had previously been a selfish coward, but when he finally turned to face danger and died for the town that hated him, he could, at last, be called a hero.”
As I’ve said before, this takeaway, as presented by Stranger Things 4, is total nonsense. The framing of Eddie’s death as a noble sacrifice that he willingly made to save Hawkins, a town that happily crucified him without a thought, does not remotely do the character justice. As an Othered individual who made space for those around him to be themselves in a suffocating, judgmental world, the idea that Eddie’s worth would be measured by a desire to die so that the town that stood for everything he most hated could survive is an insult at best.
It’s an insult to character. But more importantly, it’s an insult to the very real people who saw themselves represented in Eddie in our own world. A slap in the face to all the lost sheep who watched Stranger Things and loved the character that was brave in his rejection of norms and strong in his convictions to his true self… Only to see the story explain that his bravery only existed when falling on the sword to protect those who hated him.
In all honesty, I never thought I’d even remotely get over that conclusion. But perhaps, upon reflection, or perhaps bolstered by some of the real-world sentiments about Eddie, Stranger Things 5 manages to revisit the show’s conclusions about Eddie Munson and shift them to a more appropriate place. It’s a place that perhaps doesn’t feel good (only allowing Eddie to fully live his life would do that), but it is palatable and eases some of the anger in my chest. And like many good things on the show, it involves Steve and Dustin.
“He saved no one.” Steve Harrington tells an irate Dustin Henderson as they finally have their all-out fight about the ghost of Eddie between them in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2. “That night, I told you not to be heroes. I told both of you. What did Eddie do? He charged into a swarm of killer bats… Eddie wanted to play hero, and he made a dumb call, and he got himself killed.” Although Steve’s angry retort sounds harsh on the outset, his framing of Eddie’s death, both on the surface and deeper in its nuances, is miles better than the previous version Stranger Things offered us.
Honestly, even just on the face of it, as mean it might be in situ, the narrative telling us on-screen that Eddie’s death was not some mandatory act of nobility, but, in fact, needn’t have happened at all is already a major improvement on its previous take. Someone saying out loud that Eddie didn’t have to die, that he didn’t have to martyr himself for Hawkins to be important, is so much better than the notion that there was anything inherently heroic in his sacrifice.
Of course, the idea that Eddie was just dumb and only wanted to be a hero for heroism’s sake is all wrong. But, while that’s what Steve is saying with his words, it’s not really what he means. If we take a closer look at his outburst over Eddie in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, Steve’s anger doesn’t really have to do with Eddie charging into a sea of demobats. No, the emotional eruption is about how “all of [Dustin’s] bullshit, pushing everyone away,” pushing Steve away for the last 18 months, was caused by Eddie’s death. His anger comes from the way Eddie’s choices shattered Dustin, and by proxy, Steve, who loves him.
In fact, Steve is basically saying what all of Eddie’s fans have been saying since Stranger Things 4: that everything would have been much better if Eddie Munson had prioritized staying alive. That his life, his love, and his impact on everyone around him would have been much more worth it than his death. In the implications of Steve’s sentiments, we receive that Eddie touched Dustin so deeply and changed his life so thoroughly that without him, Dustin is falling apart. Eddie’s greatest achievement is not some selfless sacrifice for Hawkins, but the way his love touched Dustin.
Dustin’s words about Eddie in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, long-bubbling in his chest, are an even more fitting summation of why Eddie is a hero on Stranger Things. Possibly, the best summation we’ve heard to date on the series. Although the sentiments are pointed to cut Steve, it doesn’t make them any less true. Dustin says that Eddie was “a real friend, who actually believed in me, who was actually kind to me. He wasn’t perfect, but at least he knew that… He was never fake. He didn’t care what other people thought about him. He was just himself. And you know what, he was the smartest, kindest person I’ve ever met.”
In Stranger Things 4, Eddie himself, with the backup singer of the narrative, was so focused on how he was a coward and not a hero that it was hard to hear anything else. But the idea of Eddie being the kindest person on Stranger Things is so apt and so obvious to anyone who really stopped to think about the character. Eddie was kind to Dustin. He was kind to Chrissy. He was not a fearsome tough guy; he was soft, he cried easily, and he wore his heart on his sleeve. And that is EXACTLY why Eddie was so great. None of these parts of him were cowardly, as the narrative previously suggested; “kind” is SUCH a better description and a much better frame for understanding everything Eddie did during his time on the show than “cowardly.”
Then, of course, there’s the crux of it, for Dustin, for viewers, for everyone. The true bravery of Eddie on Stranger Things, the true strength of him. Dustin says, “He was just himself.” And in being just himself, he made a space for Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and the rest to be just themselves, too. He bravely put himself out there despite any personal cost to show those whom he loved that it was okay to embrace who they were, too, society be damned.
More than anything, Eddie deserves to be honored for his bravery in making a safe space for those around him. And Stranger Things 5 finally makes some room for that on-screen, overtly praising Eddie for being “just himself,” and being “kind,” for believing in Dustin. And that is a heck of a lot better than the show trying to sell Eddie being a “hero” because he “fought and died to protect this town. This town that hated him.”
Ultimately, after the anger between Steve and Dustin subsides, Steve offers us a new conclusion about why Eddie is a hero and what his death really meant on Stranger Things. Steve gives us this new last thought about Eddie in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2. “Eddie… He saved your life. Our lives. And I know what he meant to you. I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been.” Eddie’s true legacy on Stranger Things is Dustin. Eddie taught Dustin the most important lessons of his life, a slew of sentiments that Dustin holds close to his chest now, that he’s learned to embrace, that he’ll no doubt teach others around him in need of guidance.
If Eddie died to save Dustin’s life, not to save Hawkins, not to help those that hated him, but to save Dustin, then I accept Eddie’s death as worth it on Stranger Things. And although we, as Eddie’s fans, already knew this to be a truer explanation of Eddie’s sacrifice, Stranger Things 5 finally seems to offer us that perspective as well. Finally, we hear that Eddie died so that Dustin can go on living another day. Dustin, whom Eddie taught that he doesn’t have to be scared to be who he is, Dustin, who finally realized doesn’t need to change because of Eddie, Dustin, whom Eddie loved and loved him back. That is a heroic sacrifice.
Do I think that Eddie deserved to have remained alive on Stranger Things, to triumph over those who hated him, reign victorious in the glory of living his unruly life, and deliver his sheepies to the promised land? Definitely, yes. Do I wish Eddie could have come back from the dead for another chance to do the very same? 100%, yes.
Does it ease something inside of me that the final mentions of Eddie’s sacrifice in Stranger Things 5 are no longer “he died protecting the people who hated him and that made him a hero” and instead, “he died protecting the person he most loved, who will carry on his legacy and ensure his kindness and strength be remembered for what they were…“ Also, yes. Stranger Things‘ treatment of Eddie Munson and his death will forever hurt my heart, but I’m glad, at least, that it finally seems to understand him.
(Bring Eddie back, you cowards.)
Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 and Volume 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She’s spent way too long thinking about Stranger Things’ Steve, Dustin, and Eddie, but they are the best parts of the narrative.
The post Eddie Munson Finally Gets His Due on STRANGER THINGS 5 appeared first on Nerdist.
During Christmas, people scramble to find the perfect presents. Whether you’re on a budget or have room to splurge, giving someone a gift they will love is a priority. With parents, the desire to make the holidays extra special for their children is even stronger. In the digital age, overconsumption and expensive, trendy products have dominated social media, including Labubus, Drunk Elephant, and Stanley cups, making gift-giving even more stressful.
What are the LoveShackFancy Stanley cups?
Since 2023, Stanleys have surged in popularity across several age groups, driven by TikTok and influencers. It wasn’t until the following summer that the drinkware first partnered with fashion brand LoveShackFancy to release several collaborations. Last month, Stanley x LoveShackFancy launched its latest seasonal collection of bow-themed, pastel-colored tumblers, bottles, and gift sets. All of these options come in four lovely colors: Pink Peppermint, Winter Ice, Bow Chantilly, and Alpine Blue.
Stranger Things 5 has arrived. The final season of Stranger Things has kicked off with Stranger Things 5, Volume 1. Of course, eager as we have been to return to Hawkins and catch up with all our favs, a feeling of dread has also filled our hearts for some time now. Because a final season of Stranger Things is well final. And, among other things, the Duffer Brothers have promised that somewhere in Stranger Things 5 lurks “the most violent death of any season.” GULP! But is that violent death in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1? Are there any other less-violent deaths to watch out for in the series first set of final episodes? We break down the answer to the question we know you’re all asking: Are there any major character deaths in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1? (Bonus, at the bottom, we’ll take you to a piece that breaks down Stranger Things 5, Volume 2’s deaths as well… or you can head there right now.)
Are there any Major Character Deaths in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1?
You can exhale people. There are NO major characters in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1. That’s right, Steve, Max, Will, Eleven, Robin, Hopper, they are all still alive as we head into the final two volumes of Stranger Things 5. We aren’t sure whether we expected a death in Volume 1 or not, but we’re glad not to be actively mourning one of our favorite Stranger Things characters right now. And not dying means more screentime, which means more moments with our favorites while they breathe. (Steve.) Like I always say, it doesn’t matter if you die in a series if you die in the last episode. It’s all about still being a part of the action on screen to the last. And for now, everyone is coming with us into the next horizon.
Even Ted and Karen Wheeler Are Still Alive at the End of Stranger Things 5, Volume 1
We wouldn’t have seen this one coming if you’d asked us last week, but the characters who seemed most likely to die in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 were Ted and Karen Wheeler. Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler nearly met their deaths at the hands of a Demogorgon sent by Vecna to kidnap Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, episode one. And while we were certain they HAD died for a minute there, especially Ted Wheeler, who FINALLY got to spring into action, gold clubs in hand, in the end, both narrowly pulled through. But, in the end, Ted and Karen Wheeler remain alive in Stranger Things 5. And we’ll say that this near-miss death probably enshrines them with protection for the rest of the series. We’d be pretty surprised if, after such a gory almost-ending, Stranger Things killed these two well-meaning but bad at life parents.
We will say, though, that had this been Karen Wheeler’s death scene on Stranger Things, it would have been a worthy one. This sequence was an INCREDIBLE one, one of our favorites from Stranger Things overall and from Stranger Things 5, Volume 1. It’s super violent, bloody, tense, and incredibly sad. We didn’t think we’d really be rooting for or mourning for Ted and Karen Wheeler, but now that they’re not dead, we want to give them a hug.
No Deaths in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 May Mean More Deaths to Come
But, while we rejoice now, that feeling of dread is already creeping back into our hearts like the chill on Will’s neck whenever Vecna is around. No deaths in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 means that there could be MANY deaths, including the “most violent” Stranger Things death still waiting in the wings. And surely, next time the characters we love won’t be so lucky.
Who will die in the rest of Stranger Things? Well, we still feel like Will, Steve Harrington, Eleven, and Hopper are on the Stranger Things 5 death list. But after Stranger Things 5, Volume 1’s revelations about Will, we really hope he pulls through alive. Maybe both Jonathan and Steve will die instead. There would be deep irony there. If you want to know about who dies in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, you can head to our piece here, right now.
Giving us a little hope for our favs, the Duffer Brothers had this to say about upcoming deaths in Stranger Things 5: “I’ve said this before: The show is not “Game of Thrones.” I’m hoping it surprises people. But there’s no Red Wedding, if that’s what you’re asking. That would be depressing.” We do feel happy to hear that much. But still, it doesn’t mean all our favs are safe by any means.
In any case, all are alive for now. Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 is now streaming in full and so is Volume 2. Stranger Things 5, Volume 3 releases on New Year’s Eve (December 31). This is the finale episode, or episode eight. Each volume releases at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.
Rotem Rusak is Nerdist’s Editor-in-Chief. She recently rewatched all of Stranger Things in 72 hours and is still not over Eddie Munson’s death. If Steve Harrington dies in Stranger Things 5, she will cry.
Originally published on November 26, 2025.
The post Are There Any Major Character Deaths in STRANGER THINGS 5, Volume 1? appeared first on Nerdist.
I watched him zip up that beat up old green backpack, remembering it bouncing with the weight of our snacks on his back as we hiked up Monument Mountain in the Berkshires four years before. Back then, he looked back at me with eyes shining proud, reaching out his hand with that smile as he lifted me to that last step to the top. Now I focused on the drumsticks he attempted to jam into the side pocket that was packed too tight. He instinctively looked at me to help him like I’d done so many times before. His eyes, bloodshot red from rage tears, met mine, and he looked away quickly. He gave up, shoved the drumsticks into his back pocket, picked up his bags, and walked out the door. I watched it close behind him.
It was November 2, 2015. My live-in boyfriend waited for our Halloween celebration and All Souls Day of recovery to be complete before letting me know that our relationship was over. He actually told me he wanted to break up to get it over with before the holidays so he could enjoy them fresh.
Unfortunately, this was not the first time a man had decided to break up with me between October 31 and November 15 so that he could enjoy the holidays without me. I’ve had 10 relationships end right before and during the holiday season and I’m not alone. It’s not unusual for couples to break up during the holiday season. But I not only survived each breakup, I thrived. Here’s my favorite 10 tips to handle breaking up during the holidays.
10. Give yourself permission to feel all the feels.
We don’t have to deny our feelings. It is okay to feel them. I know it sucks not to feel good when everyone around you seems to be decking the halls with joy. Know that feelings are like clouds, impermanent. When you get all up in your feelings after a breakup, it’s okay to pause and just feel your feelings.
9. Find practices to let go of guilt, shame, and rumination.
Giving in to guilt, shame, and rumination are the trifecta that will send you down the rabbit hole of post-breakup depression. In his book Emotional First Aid, Guy Winch, PH.D talks about guilt being like “a fight club for one.” That mental battle opens the door of shame and ruminating about what you could have done just makes everything worse. Journaling was my go-to tool for dealing with these emotions. In my journal, I unapologetically said all the things I was afraid to say. The act of writing provides a physical activity and a visual representation that clears out the clutter in our mind.
8. Connect to your “heart brain” for intuitive wisdom through meditation.
Chapter 4 of Michelle Cassandra Johnson’s book, Finding Refuge: Heart work for Healing Collective Grief, talks about acknowledging the intelligence of the heart. When we are able to slow down and listen to our heart’s intuition, we achieve a self-knowing that enables us to process difficult experiences from a grounded space.
7. Move your body to the point of sweaty exhaustion once a day.
Dance, spin class, swimming, yoga, weight lifting, run, and HITT workouts are all physical activities that force us to focus on the present moment. If you feel comfortable joining a gym, really challenging fitness classes are great ways to make new friends and community.
6. Eat real food made with love.
It’s okay to slouch around in your soft flannel robe and snack on sweet and salty treats, but please get some actual nutrition in your body as well. Eat real food that consists of complete proteins, green leafy veggies, and fruit, and get as much rest as you can.
5. Hydrate and read fiction.
Drinking water is the ultimate cleanse. Hydration makes my mind/body feel nourished. From that space my mind is more available. The holidays are a time where you may be able to have days off, take the time to pick up fiction, and transport yourself into someone else’s universe for some time. It feels really good to disconnect from the present moment and just get lost in a story.
4. Procrastinate while traveling solo.
You’re single; take a trip without an agenda. Whether it’s a staycation at a sweet local B&B for a few days or a trip to a distant beach or city you’ve always wanted to visit, the act of traveling places our minds in a different state. Learn the positive aspects of procrastinating, not having a plan, sleeping late, and being indecisive. I particularly love exploring cities alone. There’s a delicious freedom to being able to just live at your own pace.
3. Listen to music that you love.
Whether you want to lament in your sorrow to Cassandra Wilson or dance your moneymaker off to Beyoncé, music is medicine that takes our minds to another state of being. Turn off the world and lose yourselves in the melody.
2. Binge-watch whatever you want.
After my ex with the backpack was gone, I proceeded to snot cry prostrate on the floor for 4 hours. It was bad. I was spent, but I couldn’t sleep. I curled up in a blanket and turned on Netflix. For whatever reason, Grey’s Anatomy popped up on my screen. I’d never seen the series so I watched the pilot. It made me feel better. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, I stayed in my studio apartment in Park Slope Brooklyn and binge-watched 12 seasons of Grey’s nonstop. That show was a total catharsis of healing. I raged, laughed, cried, and danced it out with the crew over at Seattle Grace. During the holidays when all my friends were occupied with family and relationships, I unapologetically connected with the people onscreen and transformed the deep loneliness of being single during the holidays to a self-care retreat grounded in unconditional love for myself. To this day I love Grey’s Anatomy because of that experience.
1. Talk to a therapist, social worker, or counselor.
It’s easy for single people to feel isolated during the holiday season. We live in a culture that treats being single as if it’s some sort of terminal illness. If you are going through a breakup and visiting family for the holidays, there’s the added pressure of having to explain the whys and endure well-meaning relatives’ advice. Do yourself a huge favor and find a therapist who will listen. If you are experiencing financial insecurity, there are organizations out there like The Loveland Foundation that help low-wealth Black women find therapists to work with on a sliding scale.
Breaking up in the holiday season can be an opportunity to let go and lean in to loving yourself better and connecting to the authentic joy of being free of a relationship that was, most likely, holding you back.
The post 10 Tips to Handle Breaking Up During the Holidays appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.