It’s the holiday season and if you’re scrolling through blogs, you’re probably finding a mountain of advice on how to manage holiday stress or control your seasonal depression. But what all those bloggers ignore is everyone out there who are just plain ANGRY during the holidays.
Many people spend the holidays with extended family members, some of whom you may not have seen in a long time. While the holidays are supposed to be at time to enjoy the company of your family, oftentimes the holidays and spending time with extended family can bring back past resentments and grievances that can often lead to anger.
So how do you prepare for managing anger during this stressful time of year so that you’re not the cause of the next family feud?
Tips to Managing Anger this Holiday Season
1. If you’re looking for ways to begin managing anger over the holiday, start with being careful with the amount of alcohol you consume. Excessive drinking contributes to conflict and aggression. If you’re not in complete control of yourself, you’ll be more likely to let your guard down and not be mindful of your anger triggers.
2. Manage your time carefully so that you do not over schedule yourself. Plan ahead and set aside specific days or times for each task to be done.
Then give yourself more time.
3. Budget. During a time of year when people are supposed to feel that it is “better to give than to receive” money sure seems to dominate family fights. Before you buy anything, decide how much money you’re going to spend this holiday season and stick to it. Excess spending is only more likely to get you more angry.
4. In managing anger during the holiday season, you may need to adjust your expectations. Things can go differently from how you have planned them. Relax, it’s ok. Remember that you are only with your family for a short time during the holidays (even if the day seems like it will never end.) Also remember that as families grow, changes naturally take place. New traditions and rituals come in and old ones become parts of our memories. You can help yourself with managing anger during the holidays by being open to changes and helping create new family traditions and rituals.
5. Avoid indulging in unnecessary arguments and fights. Just don’t get involved. Who cares who opens gifts first? You can also manage your anger during the holidays by working on your self-esteem. Remind yourself of your self-worth. You don’t have to get drug into every minor family spat.
6. Keep up with your health habits. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse for a free for all. Indulging a little bit is part of the fun of the holiday season. Overindulging eventually causes guilt and anger. Keeping up with your health habits will help you avoid some of your anger triggers.
7. Just Say No. Managing anger over the holidays requires you to say “No” from time to time. If you don’t feel like participating in a particular family event, then you need to assertively state your desire to skip the family event this year. Saying “yes” to things you don’t want to do will only trigger your anger more.
If you need help managing anger this holiday season, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our Anger Management Counselors. Anger Management Counseling can help you learn to identify your anger triggers, gain skills to manage your anger, and reduce your angry feelings. Call us Today to schedule an appointment.
