Episode 8: Surviving the Holiday Season

Send us Fan MailThe holiday season can be a time for happiness and creating good memories, but it can also be a time of stress. Unrealistic expectations, a lack of structure, and over-indulgence can put pressure on us and our ability to cope. If we travel to spend time with family we haven’t seen in a while, old family dynamics and dysfunction can throw even the most grounded person off-balance. Why is it sometimes so hard to be around family and old friends? What lies beneath the unhealthy patterns of conflict that can emerge during the holiday season? By understanding and managing our expectations, we can set and attain more reasonable goals for the holiday visit. By analyzing past holiday successes and failures, we can develop a plan to make this holiday season much less stressful and more enjoyable. By focusing on a few sound guidelines, we can give ourselves and our loved ones a chance at reducing old patterns of conflict and having a truly happy holiday season.Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not just survived! By preparing ahead of time and taking better care of ourselves, the holidays can once again be a time of connection, renewal, and treasured memories. Support the showThank you for listening!For more information, visit: www.drdanraker.comPlease subscribe and share with your friends.Just Published! Dr. Raker's new book, Disarm the Bomb! Defuse ANGER Before it Derails Your Life, along with the Workbook & Study Guide, are now available at www.drdanraker.com.Recorded on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA.CLICK HERE to support Peace, Love, & Psychology Podcast.