Four wise strategies for the stress of holiday season interactions

So... what do you think? Are you ready for the burst of activity that comes with the impending holiday season?

Whether it's at home, in a social setting, or in the throes of year-end pushes at work, we're all about to be faced with an onslaught of activity. And most of it is relational.

Of course, stepping into deep and genuine relationships at a stressful time can be a challenge. (Actually, it's a stressful time because of all the relational activity, right???)

As a way to help with that approaching wave of potential stress, I've condensed a few gems of wisdom from my recent conversations with Al Elliott , Doug Kelley, Grant Gurewitz , and Carl R. Ficks, Jr., J.D.

Each of them shared key strategies that you can employ help various relationships feel less daunting and more intimate...

Embrace Humility and Empathy - Al Elliott

Bring empathy online by tuning into others’ experiences and emotions. Al’s approach during his Samaritan experience is a testament to the power of empathy: “Being with them without judgment and with dignity” allowed Al to drop judgment and be of service. This simple act of understanding can create significant shifts in your relationships.

• Action Step: Next time you’re in conversation, try to listen more than you speak. Tune into the emotions behind the stories being told

Nurture Physical Affection - Doug Kelley

Touch is a universal language of connection. A simple hug, a pat on the back, or even a firm handshake can foster a sense of physical intimacy and closeness.

• Action Step: Embrace the power of the pat! Starting today, consciously integrate more non-invasive touch in your interactions.

Develop Boundaries and Clarity - Grant Gurewitz

In work relationships, striving for a balance between transactional and relational interactions can lead to a more harmonious environment. Remember, maintaining professional boundaries doesn’t mean you can't also have deep connections.

• Action Step: Be transparent about your needs and goals at work. Advocating for yourself fosters an environment of respect and mutual understanding.

Be a Safe Harbor for Each Other - Carl Ficks

We'll all face some stressful moments in the coming months. As Carl Ficks shared, we need to actively seek out--and provide--refuge with others in those moments: “Creating a safe harbor for others is a powerful testament to true strength and compassion.”

• Action Step: Open up about what's going on with a close friend or loved one and ensure they feel safe to do the same.

Embedded in these gems of wisdom is a simple truth:

Creating intimacy is less about grand gestures and more about consistent, genuine, conscious engagements.

As Doug Kelley keenly observes:

“Intimacy involves two elements: discovery and giving people access to oneself.”

I hope you'll give these action steps a try and that they will ease a bit of the holiday stress for you!

Cheers,

Jim

Jim Young publishes the Expansive Intimacy podcast every Thursday* as a free resource to help us all develop more ways to create, build, and maintain the strong, close relationships that lead to longer, healthier, happier lives.

*-The show is on hiatus this week for Thanksgiving and will resume on 11/30.