Family time, what first comes to mind?
Big family reunions, tiny gatherings, being cozy at home?
One thing’s for sure, it’s supposed to be fun and a time for healing.
But is it always the case?
We can all agree it’s not. For some people, just hearing the word “family reunion” triggers their “stress button”.
FAMILY STRESS
How are people getting stressed about family matters?
Well, it brings up old patterns, traditions some left, and what about the expectations you’re expected to live up to? Family time’s supposed to be fun until all these come.
AVOIDING FAMILY STRESS CAUSES
To avoid being stressed by these things, here are some tips I can share with you. These are the things that I did when I experienced the same, and it really does work wonders, all the time!
Y’all ready?
1. Make traditions your own way.
How do you want the family reunion to be? What’s important for you? Communicate and talk about it, maybe others want to do changes too but haven’t dared to say it out loud like you. Now is the time!
2. Get out of your comfort zone.
Outside your comfort zone shows how you deal with scenarios you’re not familiar with. Outside your comfort zone is WHERE YOU GROW.
3. Show people YOUR tradition.
Many will try to pull you back into the old mold because not everyone’s open to change. But be persistent, live your life and show them that traditions can be grown out and changed.
FIND THE MEANING
Of course, aside from things like these, there are also a lot of other possible causes for stress during family time.
But remember that it all starts with identifying what it means to you.
So…
The most important thing to do is ask yourself the question:
“What is family time for me? What makes it family time?”
From there, set your boundaries and plan your agenda for that day, regardless of whether you’re hosting or not. Because only when you have peace of mind can you have real family time.
To less family stress,
