For many of us, the constant chaos of the holidays feels like a heavy burden. Plus, if you factor in common seasonal struggles, such as seasonal depression, tight finances, and social anxiety, you’re looking at a very full emotional plate.
In addition to the jam-packed schedule and long to-do list, you may have many holiday gatherings ahead, which can cause you to worry about meeting with certain family members, friends, and coworkers who push your buttons or make life a little more difficult.
Even though the ideal holiday season would be filled with easy conversations and unconditional affection, for many, that’s just not reality.
If the holiday season presents a variety of socially taxing circumstances, Venice Sanchez, MD, and the rest of our team at Sydea Medical Practice in Newport Beach, California, want to give you some practical tools for navigating tricky relationships and protecting your peace in this month's blog.
One of the most important things to remember is that people don’t really change from year to year. If your cousin, great uncle, or sister-in-law usually annoys you, they probably still will.
Because of this, it’s important to keep your expectations in perspective to avoid frustration and disappointment. Remind yourself of the qualities you do like about them and take their comments with a grain of salt.
In addition, you may want to prepare an action plan that increases the chances of having successful interactions. Whether you need a group setting or a private conversation, knowing the environment that works best for you can help develop healthy and enriching conversations.
Even though it can feel uncomfortable, setting healthy boundaries in a compassionate but firm way helps protect yourself and others. By understanding your own needs, wants, and limits, you’re able to better show up for yourself and those around you.
Are there some topics that you know you won’t change your stance on? When others bring up different opinions on these things, it’s easy to quickly go into defense mode. However, it’s often more productive to simply hear what they have to say and be open to their point of view.
If you anticipate conversations around hot-button topics turning ugly, don’t be afraid to make those off-limits.
When you sense situations or conversations are getting tense and heated, don’t be afraid to take a break and walk away. Taking some time to do some breathing exercises, practice mindfulness, or go on a walk can allow you to clear your head and then reconvene for a more productive conversation.
During the holiday season, you may want to have someone to talk to who can help you work through or prepare for tough conversations with friends and family members. Scheduling a therapy session can help you work through strong emotions and provide some healthy coping mechanisms.
To schedule a therapy session with our team, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today.
