Five Simple Ways to Cope with Holiday Gatherings
Here are five simple tips that will help you if you tend to get anxious during holiday social gatherings.
1. Smile, Smile, Smile! A genuine smile increases your production of serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone. Smiling has been proven to relax you and put you in a better mood. It's a natural anxiety-buster! What's more, smiling bonds us with others. It makes us appear friendlier, more interested, and more appealing. Babies as young as three weeks old already recognize smiling as a bonding behavior. So, smile and show us those pearly whites!
2. Give Yourself Permission to Feel Bored. Let's face it -- social gatherings can be a drag at first. It can take several hours for the mood to build and the "fun factor" to really kick in. Don't leave the party simply because it's a little boring at the moment. Allow yourself to simply BE. Sometimes that can mean allowing yourself to feel bored for a while and realizing that it's OK. Wait it out.
Remember, a party's success is a group effort. It's not all up to you. Gatherings that start out slow usually pick up once the meal is served, the music gets lively, or the guests have a few hours to unwind and get to know each other better. You might be surprised at how much fun you'll have if you stay!
3. Help Out. Offer to arrange tables, serve food, take photos, or another helpful task. Helping out is a great way to keep busy while making the party more enjoyable for you and the other guests. It's also a great way to meet people!
4. Show Interest in Others. A simple way to feel less anxious is to take your focus off of your anxiety and move your attention outward. Show interest in the people around you. Maybe you've always wanted to ask your grandma how she and your grandpa met. Maybe you've seen a co-worker in the hall and always wondered in which department she works. Maybe you'd like to know how your neighbor keeps his lawn so green. Make eye contact and simply ASK.
5. Balance "Group" Time with "Me" Time. Spending many hours in a group setting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not used to it. Take a break and give yourself some time alone every few hours. Take a walk around the block. Do a few minutes of deep breathing. Call home to check on things. You'll appreciate your group time more when you take occasional breaks to help you stay grounded.
Try one -- or several -- of these tips at your next holiday gathering. Get ready to have some fun!
About Deanne
Deanne Repich - Founder and director of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc., is an internationally renowned anxiety educator, teacher, author, and former sufferer who has helped tens of thousands of anxiety sufferers in more than 40 countries to reclaim their lives from anxiety, stress, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and social anxiety.
She is the creator of the Conquer Anxiety Success Program, author of more than one hundred articles, and publisher of the Anxiety-Free Living printed Newsletter for anxiety sufferers. She is a Member of Mental Health America and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
