With the Easter holiday quickly approaching, I thought I would post six suggestions to lessen stress and tension during this time so we might wholeheartedly enjoy the time spent with our family and friends.
- Accept imperfection. When competition arises when playing games, participating in sports, and video games, realize that it is only a game, you’re not getting paid big bucks to win the game. If you win, don’t rub it in and make the other player feel inferior.
- Don’t lose count of what really matters. You can only change the way you react to times of stress, especially with family. Don’t give them the keys to drive your truck (in other words, they can’t drive you nuts if you don’t let them).
- Respond with kindness. You don’t always have to agree with others; be polite in how you respond and state your opinions. Keep your attitude of gratitude.
- Rethink your resolutions. Be careful not to criticize yourself too much if you are not meeting your goals. Aunt June only brings her homemade dessert on the holidays. Taking small portions can help satisfy your craving while not blowing your resolution up.
- Develop a strong sense of self. Develop a strong sense of self to remain confident in the presence of strong personalities. Often family members enjoy bragging about their accomplishments (or stretching the truth to make others feel inferior). Don’t play that game.
- Take a deep breath and stick to the facts. For instance, if someone asks why you’re not married yet, or why you don’t have children yet, take a deep breath and state the facts.
Remember, family is family. We can’t change them, and they’re not going to change us. Just because you’re related, it doesn’t mean that you must get along in every situation or agree with their political views. Sometimes, the best action is no action. Go outside and get some fresh air, check on the younger children, and ask if you can assist in the kitchen. Or, as my pastor once told me, “agree to disagree” and move on.
The holidays can find us a little stressed no matter what time of year. We want everything to be perfect and run smoothly, but most of us realize that life isn’t that way. I want everything to be ready to serve simultaneously when I'm cooking. My problem is that I have one large oven. It is hard to cook everything and, at the same time, bake the dinner rolls. Most guests are okay with it because they know they aren’t the ones cooking.
The best thing about the holidays is that we come together with our family and friends. We make time to gather, making memories that remain in our hearts and minds for a lifetime. And hopefully, you’ll take pictures to look at forever.
Websites you might check out:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-emotional-meter/201801/how-deal-family-members-who-stress-you-out
- https://www.verywellmind.com/handle-family-conflict-and-holiday-stress-3144651
- https://dfwchild.com/how-to-handle-family-conflict-during-the-holidays/
I wanted to share a picture of my father's side of the family at my grandparents' cabin in the mountains above Denver. Can you guess which one is me? [My dad is taking the picture.]
I wish my readers a peaceful, relaxing holiday week and a blessed Easter.
All my best,
Julie
Enjoyed it. Good advice.
Have a great Easter.