Family & Holidays: Sometimes Less is More
Posted December 15, 2014 06:25 am
TALLAHASSEE,
FL– While the holidays are a happy time for many, the
stress associated with family obligations and dynamics
can be the "lump of coal" in some people's Christmas
stockings.
According to the American Psychological Association, fatigue and stress are the top sources of negative feelings during this time of year. Sometimes, said clinical social worker and psychotherapist Lisa Ferentz, the best thing to do is simply not participate in a potentially stressful situation.
"Sometimes," she said, "you have to give yourself
permission to avoid family interactions that you know
are going to be too painful or that will set you up to
be 'triggered' in some way."
If you do feel compelled to see family or friends who
can be a source of conflict, Ferentz said, limit time
you spend, bring a friend to act as a buffer and use
your cell phone as an excuse for a break.
Sometimes, the best relief is to break away from habits
from the past, she said, by beginning a new tradition or
doing something for others.
"I encourage people to volunteer during this time of
year," Ferentz said. "I think when you do things that
kind of help, you step outside of yourself and your own
emotional upset. It gives you perspective about life. It
also helps you to kind of reclaim a feeling of
gratitude."
Ferentz said it's also important to avoid
self-destructive behaviors such as overeating or
drinking too much - and replace them with exercise or
meditation.
Photos/graphics, links added by the Observer
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