As the holiday season approaches, many people anticipate joy and connection, but for those grieving a loved one, coping with estrangement, or facing painful family dynamics, the period can be deeply challenging. Dr. Bradley Nelson, a veteran holistic physician and USA Today bestselling author, says unresolved emotions often lie at the root of these struggles and can be addressed to improve relationships and well-being.
Nelson, author of "The Heart Code" and the holistic healing classic "The Emotion Code," explains that trapped emotions—commonly called emotional baggage—can affect present relationships. "People we care about may say or do things that trigger strong emotions in us. This can make family gatherings awkward and uncomfortable, or even lead to estrangement," he says. According to Nelson, trapped emotions can cause people to make wrong assumptions and misinterpret innocent remarks, damaging relationships. Triggers are the body's natural responses to past hurts and can reveal trapped emotions that need to be dealt with, he adds. Carrying emotions such as resentment, anxiousness, abandonment, insecurity, or jealousy can make a person more prone to feeling that way all the time.
Energy healing practices such as The Emotion Code® and The Body Code® are designed to help people resolve emotional baggage and other imbalances that may harm health and relationships or hold them back in life. "When we learn to identify and release trapped emotions, we can heal the hurts of the past, restore relationships, and move forward without regrets," Nelson says. "This is important not only for our relationships but also our overall health and well-being."
Nelson also addresses holiday grief, noting that traditions can intensify feelings of loss. He offers tips for navigating the loss of a loved one and emphasizes the importance of breaking old emotional patterns. Recognizing triggers can help people pause, reconsider reactions, and respond more thoughtfully when family tensions arise, he says. Finding peace amid difficult family dynamics involves emotional awareness and healthy boundaries to protect well-being even when others' behavior remains unchanged.
Forgiveness, Nelson argues, is a powerful tool. He calls forgiving those who have hurt us "the number one thing you can do to reduce stress in your life." He explains that withholding forgiveness may feel like getting even, but it ultimately hurts the person holding the grudge. "This gift to self brings joy and freedom from negativity," he says. "Letting go of trapped emotions and past hurts, striving to forgive others, and taking care of yourself and your physical and emotional needs—these are gifts you can give to make the holidays more joyful and bright."
Nelson is the creator of The Emotion Code®, The Body Code®, and The Belief Code®, and CEO of Discover Healing, which has certified 17,000 practitioners worldwide across 108 countries. His book "The Emotion Code" has sold more than 1 million copies. Learn more at DiscoverHealing.com.
