As the festive season unfolds, it’s a time for joy, celebration and togetherness. Family reunions and social events bring excitement for many, yet for some, this season can also bring a surge of overwhelming emotions – pressure, anxiety and stress. For instance, family gatherings mean encountering that one family member whom you would like to avoid, classic interrogation from the ever-intrusive relatives and persistent comparisons that make you feel uncomfortable.
If you find family and social gatherings draining and nerve-wracking, we are here to help you get through them. In this article, we will explore ways to manage stress and anxiety, this holiday season:
Set Realistic Expectations
Don’t expect too much from your relatives and neighbours while engaging in gatherings. This can often lead to disappointment. Understand that everyone is not perfect, and it is not necessary for things to go as planned. You should always aim for a balanced perspective, as it can help ease your emotions and make you feel comfortable in an environment.
Don’t Indulge In Comparison
It is quite common to get compared with others during family gatherings. But you should recognise your values and achievements instead of falling into this trap and getting bothered by comparison. Accepting yourself promotes confidence, and creates a positive mental and emotional space. Remember, self-acceptance is the key to managing anxiety.
Choose Your Company Wisely
Not everyone masters interacting and being around others at holiday gatherings. If you too are among such people, enlist a company according to your comfort zone. Select someone whom you enjoy conversing with and feel emotionally safe with. They play a crucial role in managing your state of emotions while also diverting your mind from negative thoughts.
Consider Ways To Minimise Triggers
Find ways to keep yourself occupied. Standing around with nothing can also leave you feeling nervous and uncomfortable. So, reach out to your family members, initiate conversations and help them out with setting up, cooking, keeping things organised, or cleaning up to stay busy and eliminate idle time. If you are irritated by your nieces or nephews, bring activities for them like puzzles, activity books, or board games to keep them occupied.
Say No
If you think nothing works for you, remember that you are always allowed to say no to invitations you receive. When you know you can’t manage anxiety during family gatherings alone or you can’t find someone to come with you, politely decline the invitation. Saying no doesn’t mean you are being disrespectful or you don’t love your family, it simply means you’re putting your mental well-being first! So, better to miss an event than put yourself in a situation where your anxiety can shoot up.
