Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine
Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?
Thats why therapists recommend learning how to shut down triggering conversationsbeforeyour folks pick you up at the airport.
Experts in This Article
Gena Gorlin is a Clinical Psychologist in Midtown, Manhattan.
Kerrie Mohr is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in New York and California.
Politics andpositions on masks and vaccinesare very triggering conversations of the moment for families, says Mohr.
According to Mohr, one helpful strategy is to think of your family like a jigsaw puzzle.
Gena Gorlin is a Clinical Psychologist in Midtown, Manhattan. An Assistant Professor at Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Dr. Gorlin brings both scientifically-based approaches and a philosophically-informed perspective on human nature.
Each piece goes out on its own for a year, then returns home over the holidays.
Sometimes pieces stop fitting, so we have to make a run at stop trying to use that piece.
Below, she shares her best advice for enjoying the season on your own termsand no one elses.
What aspects of each family members life and experience are you most eager to learn more about?
What aspects of your own life and experience are you most eager to share?
asksclinical psychologist Gena Gorlin, PhD.
Are they curious, thoughtful, nosy, thoughtless, or just plain mean-spirited?
Or hey, maybe you wontand thats okay.
Of course, sometimes the triggering conversation wont directly involve you.
Gena Gorlin is a Clinical Psychologist in Midtown, Manhattan. An Assistant Professor at Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Dr. Gorlin brings both scientifically-based approaches and a philosophically-informed perspective on human nature.
In this case, Mohr recommends syncing up with yourself before deciding what to do next.
Identify what is being stirred up.
Notice where you might feel the tension in your body, and acknowledge and accept the emotion you feel.
This curiosityhelps cultivate empathyand tolerance that will also help you stay calm, she says.
With this perspective, youll be able to know whether intervening in that conversation will truly serve your well-being.
Then, you’re free to make your choice.
Maybe you decide to redirect the conversation with one of your positive table topics.
Maybe you excuse yourself for walk.
Maybe you opt to stand your ground and argue.
It would be best totake a time outif you find yourself getting too heated, says Mohr.
Above all else, remind yourself thatyou are worthy of boundaries and self-compassion, says Mohr.
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