3 Ways to Protect Your Sanity Over the Holidays!

The holidays can be great, and sometimes they truly are a wonderful time with family and friends. On other occasions, the exact opposite can be true. We are sometimes in close quarters with people who are challenging to be around and we find ourselves not enjoying the holiday gathering. Here are 3 ways to help protect your sanity over the holidays!

1) Acceptance and Change. There can be relief when we recognize that although we may like to, we cannot change another person. Accepting that they may act in ways that are difficult to accommodate reminds us of what we can do, which is remembering we control how we respond. We can consider taking a break from the individual, speaking up when needed but also allowing ourselves permission to keep our opinions to ourselves, and thinking of how to set ourselves up for a successful gathering. We may look at adjusting our arrival time or planning to leave at a certain point. Remembering what we can do, the change we can make for ourselves, allows us to acknowledge our influence in these situations.

2) Finding our Positives. How can this gathering be a fun time for me? Maybe I want to bring my favourite food or boardgame? Should I bring a craft to keep my hands busy? Plan to do the dishes after so I have a task? Maybe I want to suggest a walk outside or 1:1 time with a preferred relative or friend. This asks us not to just consider what may make this event challenging, but what I can do to make it more enjoyable.

3) Respect your Boundaries! There may be many gatherings that are challenging, but still worth attending. And yet, there may be holiday get togethers that we may want to decline. This can be a hard decision, but something to consider if we are truly unhappy at these events. No one can make this call for you, but I'd suggest asking yourself if you feel respected in those situations? If you do decide to take a step back, consider to what extent you may or may not want to share honestly about your decision. This can be a hard choice to make, but it is important to remember you matter too, even around the holidays!

Danielle van Schaik