7 Ways to Keep the Peace and Protect Your Well-being This Thanksgiving

"Here are seven things you definitely should NOT do this Thanksgiving:

1. Don’t buy into the belief you have a “perfect family” or that the holiday will be “perfect.” Doing so only sets you up for disappointment as most families are not perfect and most holiday gatherings usually run into some sort of hiccup. By adjusting your expectations you’ll less likely be disappointed and stressed should something not go according to plan and you’ll also take the pressure off yourself.
2. Don’t have conversations that historically have proven to be sensitive. Avoid sensitive family issues such as a recent divorce, or other emotionally-laden topics. There are plenty of other subjects that are much safer. Go equipped with safe topics and positive speaking points.
3. Don’t feel like you have to win the argument. Ask yourself, is it worth it to win the battle but lose the war? Simply acknowledge the differences and move on.
4. Don’t feel intimidated by know-it-all relatives. Ignore them. Doing so eliminates the audience they usually crave. If they don’t get the reinforcement, then they’ll eventually get tired of hearing themselves talk and will stop.
5. Don’t feel obligated to participate in a conversation with pushy and intrusive relatives who think they know best. They want to see you get married, have kids, and have a good career – but they probably don’t know exactly what you deal with on a daily basis so it’s easy for them to dish out advice or tell you what to do. To avoid getting upset by this, simply acknowledge their concern, thank them, and move on.
6. Don’t drink a lot. Drinking in excess will lower your inhibitions which could potentially fuel arguments, diminish your mood, and make you feel lousy. Only drink what you know you can handle, not what you think you can handle.
7. Don’t deviate from your normal exercise routine. For many people exercise is the best form of dealing with stress and maintaining good mental health. Make sure you include it during your holiday.

Read the complete article available at Thrive Global!

Reflection:

Are you excited for Thanksgiving this year?

#Thanksgiving #Family #Relationships #Peace