When the Holidays Trigger Your Trauma with Will Rēzin, SEP

In this episode of the Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin sits down with Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Will Rēzin, Founder of Trauma and Somatics, to explore what’s really happening when the holidays bring up reactions that feel bigger than the moment. Together, they unpack how trauma lives in the body, why certain traditions, gatherings, or expectations can activate old survival responses, and how to tell the difference between everyday holiday overwhelm and trauma being triggered.Will shares practical, body-based tools to help regulate the nervous system when old patterns resurface, including grounding, breathwork, and gentle movement practices you can use in real time. This conversation blends science, intuition, and compassion—offering listeners a new way to understand their reactions and meet themselves with care during a season that can feel anything but peaceful.In this episode, we explore:How and why the holidays can trigger unresolved traumaThe difference between normal seasonal pressure and trauma responsesWhat it looks like when the body goes into survival modeSimple somatic tools to support regulation and emotional safetyHow self-awareness and self-care can change the holiday experienceThis episode is an invitation to stop judging your reactions and start listening to your body—so you can move through the season with more understanding, agency, and support.✨ If this episode resonates with you, follow The Holiday Survival Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a rating or review — it helps more people find hope, healing, and a little peace this season. Visit www.holidaysurvivalpodcast.com to listen to past episodes and explore our interactive Holiday Survival Podcast Gift Guide, featuring meaningful, heart-centered finds from small businesses and creators we love.Connect with Will on his website or social media @willrezin. For more information about Trauma and Somatics, check out their website and social media @traumaandsomatics. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Content Warning00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast02:00 Meet Will Rēzin02:47 Understanding Trauma and Somatics06:43 The Evolution of Trauma and Somatic Practices16:24 Differentiating Stress from Trauma Responses22:41 Managing Stress Responses23:47 Breathing Techniques for Calmness26:33 Orienting and Grounding Practices29:49 Self-Contact and Vocal Techniques34:14 Preparing for Stressful Situations36:10 Connecting with Your Body After Trauma41:28 Resources and Final ThoughtsCREDITSHosted and Produced by Erin BillingsPost Production by Isaac MorenoMusic by Erin BillingsArtwork by Diana Pietzryk