Surviving the Holidays Part 3

Moderate the Toxic  We all know that regardless how much we love our family and friends, the holidays can be a perfect breeding ground for conflict, stress and passive aggressive interactions at the very least.

Even the healthiest families have a passive aggressive Aunt Mildred, who asks why you aren’t married yet or makes sure to tell you that your pant are too tight and to not have another rum ball.

Or the Uncle Karl who makes sure to bring up political issues into every conversation until you imagine punching him. Not to mention if alcohol is involved at your family parties.  So remember its okay to can take a break, you can walk outside, hole yourself up in the bathroom or even find the kids and play with them for awhile to re-center and remind yourself of your holiday cheeriness.  I have never seen or heard of a family member being convinced by a political argument at Thanksgiving. In the end of you proving all your intelligent points, you may just end up feeling silenced, and angry with no avail. SO know yourself and your family and be okay walking away from a fruitless and stressful conversation.  Moderation is the word of the season, so enjoy yourself, and try to hit a good middle ground  for foods that make you feel bloated, and drinks that make you feel tipsy, and gifts that make you feel like a modern day Santa Claus. Remember come January 1st, you will wake up with memories of those yummy foods, lost brain cells (from drinking, get it?) and the remainder of your bank account.  AND there is nothing wrong with any of that, but you want to feel good about your choices and what you enjoyed. The best way to ruin the good cheer is to feel bad about all your choices and to punish yourself. So try to hit a middle ground that leaves you with enjoyment not guilt.

***Originally Posted on LVLHolistic’s Instagram page as a collaborative presentation regarding mental health and nutrition***