A Handy Self-Care Guide For When Politics Come Up At Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is typically associated with feel-good food, friends and family. However, since this year it comes on the heels of a nasty election season, there may be an added guest at the dinner table: Hostility. Last week, The New York Times reported that some families were cancelling their Thanksgiving plans over their political divides. But for those moving forward with their holiday plans, it doesn’t come without negative emotions. Research shows that the election was a significant source of stress for more than half of Americans. Take those anxieties, combine them with awkward conversations with your distant relatives who voted ― let’s just say opposite ― of you and it becomes even more difficult to manage.  “Unfortunately, there’s a huge disconnect following this election,” Karen Ruskin, a family therapist and author of 10 Seconds To Mental Health, told The Huffington Post. “And that can affect our well-being.” It’s important to take care of yourself in contentious situations and keep your stress levels in check for your health. Below are a few expert-backed ways to practice self-care around family members you may disagree with on politics (a glass of wine is optional): 1. Mentally prepare beforehand. If you’re going to encounter argumentative relatives during the holiday, it’s best to consider all scenarios before they pop up, says Carl Sheperis, a relationship psychologist an...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news