How to Survive Crazy Family and Holiday Stress

How to Survive Stress and Crazy Family During the Holidays

Holy cow!  How did this year go by so fast?  Can you believe that Halloween has passed and Christmas decorations and even music is in the stores and all around us already!  What’s the first thing you think about when the holidays come to mind?  Many people think of crazy family and holiday stress, debt, traffic, crowds, depression, loneliness and gaining weight.  There are others that love holiday music, shopping and have perfect families.  The truth lies somewhere in the middle, with some good stuff and some bad – just like life.

This article will help you get through any of those potential tough times with ease, peace, happiness and love.  You are welcome to use these tips and hints during the holidays or for the rest of your life.

Some of these ideas came from a great article in Psychology Today.   My good friend Mike Chastaine of Chastaine Law (refer him if you know anyone who gets a holiday DUI) also did some research and invited me to be on his radio show in Sacramento, CA – Money Talk 105.5. We covered a lot of great content about surviving crazy family and holiday stress, so I’ve included audio recordings of the interview (split into four parts– about 10 minutes each) in this post for you to listen to as well. Enjoy!

Self-love and daily routine:

Keep your healthy daily routine.  If you exercise, journal, pray or meditate in the morning, share with your friends or family the importance of your routine and work that into your holiday events and visits.  Take even better care of yourself during the holiday months of November and December.  Get sleep, hydrate with plenty of water often, take a nap, read, meditate, eat more vegetables, exercise moderately and avoid too much alcohol or sugar.  During stressful times or potential reactivity with family you want to build up an emotional and physical buffer so you are more peaceful.

Another way to prepare is to simply live in the now.  Don’t bring your past into the future with made up conversations in your head.  If you are going to make up a conversation, be creative in a positive way.  Who knows what the future will bring?  So why not imagine a good one?

Radio Interview Part 1- Managing Expectations and Living in the Now:

 

In the moment of passion:

The preparation above is great, but what if someone says something that pushes your buttons and pisses you off?  The best advice here is to accept them and what happens as it is.  There’s a difference between your initial reaction and what may come out of your mouth.  If you want peace, remain silent, walk away, and breathe several slow deep breaths.

Another great thing to remember is that nobody can control your emotions.  You are responsible for your feelings.  Nobody can “make you mad” without your permission.

Radio Interview Part 2- Creating Buffers:

 

Overwhelm with too much to do:

Ask for help.  This is tough for some people.  They love to give and serve.  If they get too stressed out and overwhelmed, they will resent the crowd that’s sitting and watching football.  It’s a gift to ask for help.  What do I mean by this?  People feel good when they help others.  By asking them for help, you’re offering a way for them to feel good!

If you’re one of those very capable people that gets asked to do everything, it’s important to politely say no – there are others that can enjoy doing whatever it is.

Radio Interview Part 3- Gratitude

 

Depression or loneliness:

You don’t have to be alone.  Sometimes our heads are a dangerous place to go alone.  Reach out to friends – see how they’re doing.  Volunteer for a food bank or church function, spend time with others.  Get outside and go for a hike or walk – wave and smile to everyone you see.  If you’re seriously depressed, be sure to reach out to a local professional. 

It also helps a lot to have a daily gratitude journal.  Simply write down 5 positive things that happened the day before.  This helps you shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive.  Over time you will create new positive neuronal (brain nerves) pathways and become a more positive person.  This takes time and practice, but well worth it.

Food won’t cure loneliness or depression, but the tip that will help is to simply enjoy the treats of the season in moderation and be nice to yourself if you find your self overindulging.  After all, that’s what the new year is for ?.

Radio Interview Part 4- Graciously Giving and Receiving:

 

Gift giving and financial stress:

Remember the true reason and spirit behind the holidays … peace, love, happiness, good food, generosity, family and friends.  That doesn’t mean we have to spend more money than we make.  Write a poem for a loved one, send a card with a collection of things you like about them.  During one tough year, I gave thoughtful gifts of used books from my library that matched the personality and desires of my family.  They loved it!  A card, a phone call or even an email doesn’t cost much but can mean a lot and help you keep in touch with those special people in your life.  Create a budget and stick to it. 

Charity and volunteering is another way to spread holiday cheer.  If you have money and not a lot of time, gift cards are great.  I hardly ever shop for myself, but when I get a gift card I can choose whatever I want and it forces me to buy something for myself (or another).

Hope this is very helpful:

I hope this helps you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season and end this year with health, happiness, love and peace.  Please feel free to share this with others that you think might benefit as well.

Speaking of the holidays and the upcoming new year, if you want to have the best year yet, check out this article on how to set the best business goals for next year.