Define Boundaries: Clearly communicate what questions are off-limits, which physical contact is unacceptable, and what topics you won’t address. Regain the control you lacked in childhood and make choices that promote healing.
Watch for the Exiles: In moments of stress, our younger, reactive selves (the “exiles”) may take over. Christine suggests calling on your Integrated Self—the calm, clear, connected, and coherent part of you—to support and guide these inner children.
Be Mindful: Pay attention to your nervous system’s signals and take breaks when needed. Identify the best strategies for you, such as guided meditations, deep breathing, or sensory awakening, to shift your stress state.
Listen to Internal Signals: Learn to recognize early stress responses and various emotions. Instead of being overwhelmed by emotions, approach them with curiosity and self-compassion, catching them before they intensify.
Calming Practices: Activate your body’s innate calming processes through connection, sensory experiences, and self-soothing techniques. Whether it’s playing with kids, enjoying pleasant smells, or practicing mindful movement, these activities can help you find peace amid the holiday chaos.
—By Dr. Christine Gibson, a family physician, trauma therapist, and author; https://www.christinegibson.net
