The holiday season is often a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, it can also be a stressful time for many people, as they navigate the demands and expectations of family gatherings, social events, and gift-giving. Setting healthy boundaries during the holidays is essential for maintaining one’s mental and emotional well-being.
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESS
Research has shown that setting boundaries can help reduce stress and promote better relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, individuals who set clear boundaries with family members reported higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of stress during the holiday season. By defining and communicating their limits and needs, they were able to protect their own well-being and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings. Bottom line: Clearly communicating our boundaries ahead of any family gatherings literally heads off potential problems before they can occur. This is just top-tier self-care.
Research has demonstrated that UN-healthy boundaries ( as in ‘no boundaries at all,’ ) can lead to increased levels of anxiety, stress, anxiousness, and depression. A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, found that individuals who experienced feelings of guilt or obligation to participate in holiday activities that went against their personal values or comfort level, were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety. In other words: Being forced to sit next to creepy, drunk Uncle Joe, or forcing yourself to eat mother’s traditional liver stuffing because if you DON’T she’ll be pissed off…. Can and will be detrimental to your own well-being. Is compromising your wellbeing really worth it?
WHAT ARE YOUR POTENTIAL UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATIONS?
You can probably think of your own examples of situations or things that just make you uncomfortable at holiday gatherings. This just reinforces the importance of setting boundaries – and communicating them clearly – to protect one’s mental health and emotional resilience during the holidays.
Do people ‘guilt’ you into spending way more money than you actually have? Do you feel external or peer pressure to buy more, spend more, to compete in some way at gift giving? Is that really gift giving at all or is it some kind of twisted status competition? Let’s get really honest about this. Going into debt is NOT healthy self-care, no matter what. And going into debt for the holidays is just unnecessary and misdirected.
YOU CAN ACTUALLY STRENGTHEN IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS BY EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATING YOUR BOUNDARIES
Learning how to clearly communicate your own, healthy boundaries can also improve overall safe, emotional energy, and actually strengthen your important relationships. A study published in the Journal of Family Therapy found that individuals who set clear boundaries with friends and family members experienced more positive interactions and greater trust in their relationships. By clearly communicating their needs and limits, they were able to foster a sense of mutual understanding and respect, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections.
THE PEOPLE WHO GET MAD WHEN WE SET BOUNDARIES ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE BENEFITTED FROM US NOT HAVING ANY PREVIOUSLY
And if you experience push-back or worse, an angry outburst, from someone with whom you communicate a boundary? Remember this: The people who bristle or get ticked off when we set a boundary are the people who have benefitted from us not having any in the past. Read that again.
Super important to remember: research supports the importance of setting healthy boundaries during the holidays. By defining and communicating one’s limits and needs, individuals can protect their mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress, and improve relationships with family and friends. No one else can do this for you. No one. As we navigate the busy and often overwhelming holiday season, it is important to prioritize self-care and establish boundaries that support our overall health and happiness so we can approach the new year with good, fresh, empowered energy and intentions!
You do not have to figure this out by yourself. We offer top-level instruction and coaching to teach you how to communicate your boundaries effectively and efficiently. Reach out for support today.