With the holidays right around the corner, you may be excited or nervous about what this means in terms of the copious amount of time spent with family. No matter which family you belong to, there tends to be something difficult about going back to your family home, or a new family home, maybe even celebrating multiple times with divorced parents and new stepparents. You could be one of the lucky ones with a beautiful loving family that has open and healthy communication and respectful boundaries. More likely, though, is that you don’t.
Each family has multiple strong personalities and unique history, and it can be extremely nerve-racking to go back. You show up to family dinner with the best intentions, excited to show off your growth to your family just for your old habits to come screaming out. We get it. In this blog, we wish to express to you firstly that you are not alone, and secondly that there are healthy ways to deal with your family that won’t result in a yelling match. We hope that these tips can aid in you having a truly happy holiday season.
Tips for Keeping Your Peace During the Holidays
- Set Boundaries: Before you head into family gatherings, take some time to identify what your boundaries are. This could be limiting discussions about sensitive topics, deciding how long you’ll stay, or determining how you’ll respond to potential conflicts. Communicate these boundaries to your family if you feel comfortable doing so or simply remind yourself of them throughout the gatherings.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you stay grounded. Taking a few moments to breathe deeply can help you manage stress and maintain your composure when conversations become heated.
- Focus on Gratitude: Shift your mindset by focusing on what you’re grateful for during this season. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on positive memories can help you cultivate a sense of peace and joy, making it easier to navigate challenging family dynamics.
- Take Breaks: If you start to feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to step away for a moment. Find a quiet space to regroup, whether it’s a bathroom break, a walk outside, or simply stepping into another room. These short breaks can help you recharge and regain your focus.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: While a glass of wine can seem like a good way to unwind, too much alcohol can lower your inhibitions and lead to conflicts. Be mindful of your intake and consider non-alcoholic options to help you stay clear-headed.
- Seek Support: If you know certain family members tend to trigger you, consider having a trusted friend or family member you can turn to during the gathering. Sharing your feelings with someone who understands can provide comfort and perspective.
- Embrace Acceptance: Recognize that you can’t control other people’s behaviour. Accepting that family dynamics may not change can help you focus on how you respond instead. This mindset can free you from the frustration of hoping for a different outcome.
Finding Peace Through Therapy
Despite your best efforts, holiday gatherings can still be challenging. If you find that the stress of family time is overwhelming, consider seeking additional support through therapy. Innovative approaches, such as psychedelic therapy, have shown promise in helping individuals process difficult emotions and cultivate lasting peace. By exploring these therapeutic options, you can develop healthier coping strategies and gain deeper insights into your experiences.
At ATMA CENA, our mission is to empower individuals on their healing journeys through compassionate and innovative mental health care. We understand that navigating family dynamics and personal challenges can be difficult, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team provides personalized care tailored to your unique needs, helping you find and maintain your peace during tough times.
If you’re curious about how therapy, including the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy, can support your mental health, we invite you to reach out for a free information call. Let us help you explore the possibilities for healing and growth, ensuring you can truly enjoy this holiday season.
