We’ve programmed ourselves to note things twice about holidays, except for looking at them as an extra off-day. For many, this long holiday weekend marks the unofficial kickoff for summer — some may not remember the meaning behind the Memorial Day holiday. It’s a holiday established to honor those who lost their lives in service to this country, and an opportunity to express gratitude for their brave sacrifice. 

Now more than ever this Memorial Day may stir up lots of emotions for many coping with loss. Coming down from the woes of a global pandemic, we are still coping with such incredible loss during COVID-19; merge that with the ongoing battle of structural and systematic racism that tears at the fabric of our nation’s promise, people who serve or have served in the military are even more a risk of pain and agony. 

Use this holiday as a moment to reflect. Memorial Day is about setting aside time to remember those we’ve lost. Giving ourselves space to feel the emotions that accompany those memories is important. Grief tends to be easier to manage when we engage in community and fellowship with others. While that may not be the easiest way for many to cope, YELLE wants to share with you a few ways you can channel your grief into something healthy and productive to help you cope. 

YELLE has shifted it’s focus from not only skincare but well-being in general. We can attest to the notion that SKINCARE starts within, in your mind, body and spirit. 

Coping with loss can take a huge toll on you, often making you neglect your wellbeing. How can you find ways to cope? YELLE understands that we are all connected through our mind, body and spirit. This is why we are working on developing products that honor and reinforce that connection. Products like candles with essential oils will welcome calmness while soothing and suppressing stress that’s associated with grief.

First off:

Center yourself. We lose ourselves in coping. Now it’s time to rediscover who we are so that we can be everything that our fallen soldier’s remembered us as. Spend a little more time with yourself in the morning, through practicing self-care routines like adding much needed vitamin supplements to boost your mood, or taking a little time in the shower to deep cleanse your face with YELLE’s Awakening Face Wash and Toner or just enjoy a nice pot of chamomile tea to settle your nerves. 

Then throughout the day, implement things that spark joy and special memories of you and your loved one. Did they enjoy doing a special activity like bike riding? Did you all share a favorite meal? Add that special moment to your day as an ode to them and it will foster happy memories to boost your mood. 

Finally, try something new. Now is the time to really rediscover yourself. You’ve worked hard to heal, and it’s time to put all of your effort to work. Get out there and do something new and healthy for a good pick me up. Finally take that new hiking route, or sign up for the dance class you’ve been considering. One little step in the right direction makes a huge difference in your grieving process. 

Creating healthy traditions that honor the service and sacrifice of those we love is a good way to move through the range of feelings that may surface as we think of those who’ve fallen in the line of duty. Traditions like diving into self-care heavily, whether it’s sharing a moment together through skincare; giving your skin the nourishment it needs through our BRAVE Collection’s No Grit Scrub or making a facial mask using the Awakening Serum. Healthy traditions will help you stay focused on being present and healing.