The holiday season is here and as many of us know, it’s also a time of stress and anxiety. Particularly when it comes to family. Not every family gathering is fun and games. For many people, it means dread, judgement, and dealing with at least one family member who drives you insane. If holiday anxiety is starting to creep in, here are some tips to help you stay sane around family.
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Surviving Holiday Anxiety
Keep Your Distance
A great way to deal with holiday anxiety and stay sane around your family is to keep your distance. This doesn’t mean that you hide away in a corner and become anti-social. It just means that you should limit your exposure to people who cause you stress and anxiety. Say hello to everyone, but then move around. This is effective if there are maybe one or two people you want to keep away from as opposed to an entire family. When that person or persons get near you, slyly move to another room or area.
Avoid Holiday Anxiety by Avoiding Confrontation
Family that can get under your skin know it. We all know that one person who just wants to irritate you because it feeds their ego. Avoid giving them what they want. Instead of arguing, just smile. You don’t have to respond and you do not have to agree with them. Think to yourself, “I’m only here for a limited time,” and stay away from them. Don’t succumb to the temptation of firing back. If it gets to be too much for you, do something to calm your nerves or leave. You have every right not to be there, family or not.
Pair Up With A Buddy
Find a family member that you click with and stick to them. One that you can cling to the entire gathering. If you do not have any family like that, then bring a friend. If you plan ahead, you can also have them bail you out of uncomfortable situations.
Plan Something Fun Afterwards
A great way to stay sane around family and keep your holiday anxiety in check is to plan something fun afterwards. That way, no matter how bad things get, you have something positive to look forward to later. This strategy works on just about every situation that causes you stress and anxiety.
Stay Busy To Avoid Holiday Anxiety
Bring a game or activity to stay sane. It’s rude to immerse yourself in your phone so instead bring a game that everyone can get involved in. Usually everyone is so focused on the game that they won’t have time to cause you grief. It’s a perfect excuse to avoid contact with those causing you holiday anxiety.
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family, and fun, but for many it is not. If you are worried about staying sane around family this holiday season, then follow one or more of these strategies. Good luck!
Do you have any tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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