How to Handle Holiday Family Stress

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By eveewonder
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Cope with Holiday Family Stress Better

While big holiday family gatherings can be a joyful, fun time to reconnect with family for many people, the thought of gathering with relatives brings up stress and anxiety. Follow these simple steps to reduce stress and anxiety and get more enjoyment from family gatherings this holiday season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Good attitude
Open mind
To be relaxed
To put aside old grudges

Step 1

Try to keep in mind that you will only be with family for a finite period of time. Knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel will help reduce anxiety.
Step 2

Don’t expect any family members to have changed or to behave any different than you have experienced in the past. This will hopefully keep you from getting disappointed and angry.
Step 3

Try to avoid any topics of conversation that may cause controversy. You may have relatives who like to push emotional hot buttons. Don’t get pulled into these conversations.
Step 4

Keep the alcohol intake to a minimum. Too much alcohol can sometimes cause emotions and tempers to flair. It is better to enjoy a few cocktails in a relaxing, fun situation with friends.
Step 5

Remember that you are a grown adult now. Being around family can sometimes get the best of us and make us feel like children again. Tell yourself prior to attending the family event that you are happy, healthy, independent adult. Keep in mind that once the event is over you will go home to your own house and family.
Step 6

Don’t have any unrealistic expectations for how the day may go. Just attend the gathering and try to have a relaxed day.
Step 7

Gravitate more toward the relatives whose company you enjoy.
Step 8

Don’t feel guilty or sad about feeling stressed about having to attend family gatherings. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your family and you are certainly not alone with these types of feelings.
Step 9

Despite what the holiday TV specials may have you believe many people find holidays stressful. Many people find gathering with family members very stressful and anxiety producing. Feeling pressured to have a movie like holiday experience only causes more stress and sadness.
Step 10

Talk with friends about the stress and anxiety you may have about visiting with family. Sharing your feelings will help you not feel isolated with them
Step 11

Keep your sense of humor. Look at some of those family gatherings as a place to gather humorous stories to tell at your friend’s holiday cocktail party.

Comments

ramblin62 said

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on 10/21/2009 Great advice for having a stress free holiday. Family is wonderful and its a blessing to spend time with them, but as adult it can still be difficult. They can definitely know how to push buttons, so thanks!