This article is part of SELFs third annualRest Week, an editorial package dedicated to doing less.
Taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, is impossible without genuine downtime.
(And were taking our own advice: The SELF staff will be OOO during this time!)
Nolan Pelletier
Dont get me wrong: Iloveflying out to see my family at the end of the year.
But by day six, the excitement starts to wear off a bit.
Suddenly, every Can you come downstairs?
or What are you doing right now?
grates onmy last nerve, and Im hit with an urge to sneak out the back door.
Obviously, this little escape fantasy makes me feel like a terrible, ungrateful person.
(How could I think this way about my dear, sweet mom?)
In a perfect world, asking to be left alone for a few hours wouldnt be a big deal.
Offer to walk the dog or grab something from the store.
(Aw, youre so sweet.
Thank you for offering!)
A simple line like, Ugh, my heads starting to hurt.
I need to lie down, can snag you a few uninterrupted hours in bed, Dr. Olivo says.
Pretend to take a super important work call.
Pro tip: Communicate your situation before or as soon as you arrive, Turner suggests.
When youve already explainedwhyyoure disappearing, your relatives will be less likely to feel blindsided or offended.
Volunteer to refill everyones drinks.
Or your well-meaning mother wont stop grilling you aboutstillbeing single.
That said, sometimes in these high-stress situations, you may just want to leave and…not deal.
Go to the kitchen and offer to help with whatever meal prep is going on.
Or, be the person who ensures that drinks keep getting filled, she suggests.
Swing by the kids table.
For one, it gives you a legit excuse to slip away without having to explain yourself.
Consider a no-talking-needed activity, like going to the movies.
Needing space doesnt mean you have to hide out in your childhood bedroom alone.
Its just this shared, lovely quiet.
it’s possible for you to also suggestwatching one at home.
Wanting to set boundaries or have space isnt a mean or bad thing, she explains.
And its important to feel comfortable addressing your needs with your loved ones.
For example, you could say, Im so wiped out.
Im going to take an hour to rest and Ill be back in a bit.
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