TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH FAMILY CONFLICT DURING THE HOLIDAYS
•Before setting out to spend time with family, reflect on what you value most about that time. Set an intention on how you wish to respond in challenging moments.
•Remind yourself that you are only responsible for your own actions. Adult family members are responsible for their own wellbeing and actions and it is not our job to change them.
•Carve out regular time for basic activities you need to maintain a sense of balance (e.g. a daily walk, some alone time, meditation, a workout).
•Resist the temptation to intervene in other people’s quarrels. Let their process be theirs.
•Think of who you could turn to for support if needed. If possible, make time proactively to catch up with them over the holidays.
•If conflict or tension gets the best of you, try taking some time out to write about your feelings. Writing helps slow down and clarify our thoughts and can help us get to the core of what has bothered us.
HOW TO OVERCOME FEELINGS OF ISOLATION DURING THE WINTER SEASON
•Bundle up, get outdoors and acknowledge every person you pass with eye contact and a simple smile. You never know who might need a bit of warmth in their day.
•Look after yourself. Listen to what your body needs and acknowledge your emotions just the way they are in the moment.
•Volunteer. Joining others to make a small difference is a great way of reminding ourselves we are not alone.
•Make small talk with the people you share spaces with; at the shops, where you work, at the gym.
•Use the colder, darker months to learn a new skill, like playing an instrument, reading, honing your culinary skills. Learning helps us add a sense of meaning to our life.
•Call an old friend or a family member whom you haven’t spoken to in a while.
•Write a letter to someone you care about. Let them know what you appreciate most about them.
•Invite someone over for a meal or arrange a walk with a friend.