So, let's look at some of the ways you can minimize stress during the holidays so that you can put the Happy back into Happy Holidays.  Spending time with family is certainly a part of the holidays however, the gatherings aren't always peaceful, so, what can you do to avoid getting caught up in the drama?

 Quote

"Family drama is just like a storm.  You can't stop it from happening, but you can prepare yourself to deal with the aftermath.  Family is supposed to be a safe haven, but sometimes it's the most toxic place of all"---Unknown

If your family is relatively drama-free, please share with a friend that isn't as fortunate.  Hollywood has made a lot of movies about dysfunctional families during the holidays.  While these are usually extreme it can be helpful to watch one or two so you can see that your situation isn't as bad as what's on the screen.  

Today's Coaching Challenge  

What part of your gatherings do you find stressful?  Is it the number of people in attendance, a relative that is loud and obnoxious, everyone having a special request so that it's difficult to please everyone, or perhaps different opinions being shared with emotion?

Becoming clear on the issues that cause you stress is the first step towards creating a different experience for yourself. Keep in mind that some people thrive on chaos so the actions you take to mitigate the family drama may only help you.  It is a win if you can make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable even if it's just for yourself.

Action to take

Start by listing what or who bothers you.  Without being clear on that it's difficult to discover new ways to handle it.  Can you limit the amount of time you have to spend with that least favorite relative?  In the spirit of the holiday, can you forgive someone for their bad behavior while being happy that you only have to interact with them occasionally?  If you look for ways to lessen the drama this will open your imagination to new ideas.

Always supporting you,                                                                                                                                                                                                  Jan

P.S.  If you need a little help coming up with ideas click here for a free Your First Step Away From Stress call.