The Holidays are the time of year when we get thrown together with those family members we don’t get along with, or worse, would be happy to avoid seeing altogether.
So how do you brace for the onslaught of uncomfortable interactions and emotions during the Holidays?
Here are 11 tips for surviving an uncomfortable family holiday~
1. Plan ahead for what you will say to that challenging person to avoid a confrontation.
2. Repeat a calming mantra in your head.
3. When you feel yourself getting triggered, focus on your breathing.
4. Embrace your personal power by maintaining your dignity and keeping your cool.
5. Honor yourself by setting reasonable boundaries, such as not allowing personal attacks.
6. Take the high road by apologizing or holding out the olive branch for peace (if only for the day).
7. Monitor your own behavior, don’t drink too much and choose your words thoughtfully.
8. If you feel provoked, disengage or walk away. A family holiday is not the time to work on a relationship.
9. Be courteous to the person who triggers you, but keep your distance.
10. Place your focus on the family members you cherish and enjoy your time with them.
11. Accept what is and the things you can’t change.
Truth is, the holidays may not always be the postcard picture of happy. Instead, they are a chance to rise above your relationship issues to find the silver lining of personal growth.
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Joan Jerkovich, BCC
Board Certified Life Coach
