Side note: Tossing up boundaries can take some experimentation and may be met with pushback from your family. If you consistently feel stressed out around your fam, it can be tremendously helpful to talk to a therapist who can help you come up with a game plan and navigate these tricky situations, says Dr. Peifer.
Treat yourself.
Self-care is a buzzy term, and it can be confusing to know what it even entails, but if there’s a time to spoil yourself? It’s after a mind-bending trip with your relatives, says Dr. Cummings. So, squeeze in some activities that will genuinely bring you joy, whether that’s a hot yoga class, a long bath, a new book, a puzzle, or an arts and crafts project.
A quick tip from Dr. Cummings: Many of us fall into the trap of framing self-care as a luxury when, in truth, it’s a necessity. As a result, you may feel guilty or selfish when you do something for yourself. Make a point to prioritize yourself when you’re back home—doing so can restore your sense of autonomy and self-respect, says Dr. Cummings, all while lifting your mood and distracting you from the chaos that just went down.
Start reestablishing your routines.
Holiday weekends tend to throw off the routines you’re accustomed to, Dr. Peifer says. When you’re hosting your in-laws or spending time with your grandparents, for example, you likely aren’t sticking to your typical sleep-wake schedule or doing the daily activities (like making your go-to weekday breakfast or going for your morning run) that usually keep you in balance. When this rhythm is thrown off, your mood and energy levels can tank, she explains.
Once you’ve (hopefully) been able to rest a little, Dr. Peifer recommends trying, bit by bit, to get back into your routines. Start with the basics: Eat your regular diet, stick to your normal bedtime, throw on that podcast you listen to every week. This will add structure to your day, she says, which can help you feel calmer and more in control again. Next, you can add in secondary behaviors, like your typical social activities, exercise schedule, or work or study habits, she adds.
