Keeping your self-esteem and sanity intact during the holidays.
One of the most stressful times of the year is the holiday season. They are also lots of fun filled times with family and friends. But when you have been out of work for a long period of time or have been lookingfor a job, these family events can be torture.
I know that for me, getting together with my family can sometimes feel like a competition. One that I'm perpetually doomed to lose. As the youngest, not only did I get a late start, but my siblings are much more established in their careers. Whether they mean it or not, I always get the feeling that my sucesses aren't nearly as impressive as theirs and that they are judging me.
Spending time with extended family and friends can be a real hit to your self-esteem. The thing is, it doesn't have to be that way. Getting in touch with these people who are in your closest circles can be the best way to network and they can give you support and encouragement.
If you are feeling anxious about holiday gatherings, here are a 4 things that can help:
Remember to breathe – If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Try not to take anything personal and just enjoy the moment. Don't let yourself get spun up by other people's prying questions and comments.
Take it slow – You don't have to go to every event you are invited to. There is no shame in taking things slow and being selective about where you spend your time. Sometimes, it's a good idea to come later and stay for a short amount of time.
Make your own presents – When you're working with a very tight budget, it's hard enough to have the means to buy presents for your immediate family. Adding extended family and friends into the picture makes it next to impossible. Instead of spending money to buy presents, look for something that you and your family can make to give as gifts. For example, I like to make holiday cookies and sweets to package in nice tins to give to extended family members. I think that they appreciate it more than a gift card or something that they might not like.
Spend time with the ones you love – Sometimes it's a good idea to simplify your holiday routine and instead of spending all your time going from one event to another, just celebrate quietly with your family. There is nothing wrong with focusing on your immediate family and skipping the craziness.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for BusinessWorkForceBlog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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