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7 Tips to Help Managing Family Stress Around the Holidays Can be Overwhelming .

Managing Family Stress Around the Holidays

Managing family stress around the holidays can be overwhelming & can ruin the celebrations.

Are you getting together with relatives this holiday season? Family gatherings are usually joyful, but people may find them overwhelming and unsuitable for their mental health.

Managing family stress is overwhelming. Not just around the holidays, but even day-to-day.

Personality conflicts, yearly fights, and difficult relatives can ruin the celebration. This season, follow these seven tips for dealing with the stress of the holidays.

7 Tips for Managing Holiday Family Stress

1. Sleep, hydration, and food to replenish your body.

Taking care of yourself during the busy holiday season is challenging, but it can make a huge difference in managing stress.

To stay hydrated, try keeping a water bottle on your bedside table each night, so you remember to drink first thing in the morning. Try to eat three meals that include fruits, vegetables, and protein. Be sure to fuel your body with healthy foods and drinks.

Stress often negatively affects sleep and affects how we feel.  Not getting enough sleep can make your stress worse. Enough sleep, however, has been proven to drastically reduce feelings of anxiety, improving your ability to process stress and react appropriately. A good night’s sleep can boost your mood, outlook, and temperament.

If you have a wellness routine, stick with it throughout the holidays. If you do not have a wellness routine, commit to getting to bed at a reasonable hour, drinking water, eating healthy foods, and breathing some fresh air.

2. Find a “lifeline” to talk with when you feel stressed.

Having a trusted friend on call to let you release the pressure before it builds up can be very helpful. Let your friend know that you might be calling and why you want to talk with them. Be sure to tell them your preferred method of communication (i.e., text message, phone call, WhatsUp App, email, or social media).

After the holiday, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them being there for you!

If you need more support or someone to talk with, dial “211” from any location to relate to confidential, free-of-charge guidance on how and where to find professional help.

Managing Family Stress Around the Holidays

3. Do not be afraid to say “NO.”

Avoid exhaustion from going from party to party and tackling your to-do list. Be selective with holiday commitments; saying “No” to holiday gatherings is OK. Try sharing your to-do list with other family members so they can help.

4. Respect differences.

Family members will have different beliefs than your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities and replace tension with something productive.

5. Set and enforce boundaries with family members who display toxic behaviors.

Family members may be emotionally manipulative, physically, and verbally abusive. This toxic behavior can ruin your holiday experience and affect your mental health. You may set boundaries and enforce them by communicating them to your family. Be sure to put your needs first.

6. Be realistic.

You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic about how much you can manage this season. Relax and enjoy the company surrounding you.

7. Create a game plan for stressful moments and how you will respond.

You can expect stressful moments,  so have a game plan. Practice what you say or do with a family member or friend during that stressful moment. Having a plan can help reduce anxiety!

Self-care starter pack

Holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with friends and family. These tips help ensure you enjoy your holidays IF stress starts. You got this!


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