Christmas is a time where many families all get together, and whilst that can be a great thing, sometimes it can be unpleasant.
Everyone is different, and unsurprisingly everyone has different opinions and points of view. Some people may even have a difficult history with each other. Being around those who you have a difficult relationship with can have a negative effect on your Social Wellness. However, at Christmas it can sometimes be difficult to avoid these people. There are still ways that you can protect your Social Wellness and overall wellbeing if this is the case.
Firstly, set boundaries for yourself. It’s okay to say ‘no’ when you think it will harm your wellbeing. For example, if you can feel a conversation is about to take a negative turn, excuse yourself to do something else. Perhaps help lay the table or wash up instead.
Another useful thing to do beforehand is plan some conversation topics that you’re happy to talk about. That could be your favourite sports team, or what you have planned for 2022. It’s a good idea to also think about topics that you want to avoid, such as religion or politics.
Remember to be kind to yourself at this time of the year. It can be stressful navigating tricky relationships, so make sure you take some time for yourself to really unwind and reenergise. Whether that’s a solo walk in your local park, a bubble bath with your favourite book, or watching your favourite Christmas movie, make sure you schedule some of this valuable time in during the festive season.
Before a gathering that you think will be stressful, try and change your mindset to a more positive one. Try and do something that will lower your stress levels such as a yoga flow or meditate.
Another great tip is to practice deep breathing. This can work wonders in helping you calm down if you are feeling particularly stressed or triggered during a family gathering. It can be a good ides to take five minutes to yourself in the bathroom and spend that time doing mindful breathing techniques.
For more information about how you can protect and strengthen your Social Wellness, and other wellness elements, check out our book 8 Wise Ways To A Healthier Happier Mind.