Holidays can sure be stressful. In this month of November, I will discuss some strategies and tools that you can use to help turn that stress down a few notches so you can have the best holiday season ever.
This week we are tackling emotional stress. I get it. Family gatherings can be stressful, and thanksgiving is the granddaddy of family gatherings.
Here are some techniques and tools you can use this holiday season, even if your family is not as
dysfunctional as mine.
1) Have a friend, spouse, or coach that you can talk to if you find yourself in a crisis. Speaking to someone who will listen (and not judge) is a wonderful stress reliever. In fact, I would just schedule a time that you will both be available for each other. Just knowing that you'll get a chance to chat with someone will help your stress load.
2) Try to keep it in perspective. All of your family members know exactly what buttons to push to get you going. Most of the time this is happening because they are uncomfortable with just how awesome you have become. You intimidate them. You moved away from them because you wanted to evolve and better yourself. This scares the hell out of them. They may take it personally that you had to leave to accomplish your goals, and may feel that you think less of them for not doing the same. This is on top of all the regular rivalry, assumptions, and divergence of values. When the button pushing starts, breathe. Say something like, "Thanks for telling me that." Try not to engage. Smile and walk away.
Remember, some of the strangest family holiday experiences can become a story told for generations and a real family bonding moment.
3) Watch your sugar and alcohol intake. Sugar and alcohol can really make you drop your guard and get you into a mess. Pace yourself. If you eat sugar, add some protein. This will help balance it out a little.
4) Make sure you get your adjustments. Keeping your nerve system static free will help you handle the stress better. You may want to increase your visit frequency during the holiday.
5) When all else fails, go for a walk. Walking helps bring your nerve system to balance. And focus on how beautiful your environment is. Watch the sunset. Listen to the birds. Check out all of the fall colors and falling leaves.
Hope that helps. Take some time before the holidays to put some steps in place to minimize your emotional stress, and get in for an adjustment.
P.S. - Remember to Vote Tomorrow
This week we are tackling emotional stress. I get it. Family gatherings can be stressful, and thanksgiving is the granddaddy of family gatherings. Here are some techniques and tools you can use this holiday season, even if your family is not as
dysfunctional as mine.
1) Have a friend, spouse, or coach that you can talk to if you find yourself in a crisis. Speaking to someone who will listen (and not judge) is a wonderful stress reliever. In fact, I would just schedule a time that you will both be available for each other. Just knowing that you'll get a chance to chat with someone will help your stress load.
2) Try to keep it in perspective. All of your family members know exactly what buttons to push to get you going. Most of the time this is happening because they are uncomfortable with just how awesome you have become. You intimidate them. You moved away from them because you wanted to evolve and better yourself. This scares the hell out of them. They may take it personally that you had to leave to accomplish your goals, and may feel that you think less of them for not doing the same. This is on top of all the regular rivalry, assumptions, and divergence of values. When the button pushing starts, breathe. Say something like, "Thanks for telling me that." Try not to engage. Smile and walk away.
Remember, some of the strangest family holiday experiences can become a story told for generations and a real family bonding moment.
3) Watch your sugar and alcohol intake. Sugar and alcohol can really make you drop your guard and get you into a mess. Pace yourself. If you eat sugar, add some protein. This will help balance it out a little.4) Make sure you get your adjustments. Keeping your nerve system static free will help you handle the stress better. You may want to increase your visit frequency during the holiday.
5) When all else fails, go for a walk. Walking helps bring your nerve system to balance. And focus on how beautiful your environment is. Watch the sunset. Listen to the birds. Check out all of the fall colors and falling leaves.
Hope that helps. Take some time before the holidays to put some steps in place to minimize your emotional stress, and get in for an adjustment.
P.S. - Remember to Vote Tomorrow
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