Maintaining Boundaries during the Holidays

There are so many difficult things that come up during the holiday season. It is a time that is advertised as joyous and connecting, but what happens when we don’t feel that way? 

Alcohol, family arguments and spending money can contribute to stress at the holidays. You may feel burnt out from the year or even like you have too much to do on your list. The cooking, the presents and the time spent with people who may get on your nerves.

Maybe you don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with and you feel lonely. Or maybe you want to spend the holidays alone and people make you feel bad about that. Whatever it is, firm boundaries will be helpful during this season. 

Know your limits - Alcohol consumption

People tend to drink more around the holidays. If this isn’t something you are comfortable with or enjoy, don’t engage with it. When someone isn’t drinking sometimes it makes other people uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean you have to drink. Don’t do anything that doesn’t feel like “you”. 

Have an exit plan 

Going to social events for a small period of time allows you to spend time taking care of yourself while also showing up to your required events. Bringing someone along places can help mitigate this. 

Speak directly and remain calm 

Prepare for pushback from friends and family. Maintaining your boundaries is difficult.

The holidays are a difficult time for a lot of people. There are conflicting feelings around being around family and friends that we don’t see all the time. The grief of missing people that are no longer in your life is also common. 

Take care of yourself over the holiday season. Spend time with the people that make you feel good and have a support partner to come with you to places you have a hard time going by yourself. Make sure you get some time to do something that makes you feel energized. The holidays are hard, so if it makes it easier to work during them, do anything that makes you feel better, even if that means distraction. Spending the holidays alone works for a lot of people too. Do what makes you happy and helps you get through the season.

If you find yourself struggling this holiday season, please don’t hesitate to reach out for some support around managing your Anxiety.