I will keep this simple; from December 21 to 26, abuse will reach an all time high. Unfortunately, this probably comes as no surprise to most of us, with such worldwide socioeconomic pressure building up from 2008.

If you are already in an abusive environment, please ask for help from a consultant, therapist or group in your area, that you feel comfortable with. If you are in an environment were tension is mounting, here is a most applicable and one of my favorite life coaching tips, not just during this time frame but for the rest of your life.

Set boundaries, set boundaries and set boundaries!

Simple Yes! Easy? Not always! Effective? Absolutely! Whether you are home bound of work bound, buy yourself one hour a day or even ten minutes, to isolate yourself in your home office, bedroom, any room were you can just close the door behind you. For the stubborn family members, roommates, place a ‘do not disturb’ sign on your doorknob (yes, precisely like in a hotel). Usually, there is one person that externalizes their tension and can become verbally, physically or even worst, psychologically abusive and another person on the receiving end.

The ‘set your boundaries’ tip applies to both parties. If you feel your temperature rising, giving yourself the space you need, gives you the solution you seek; that is why you are so angry, right? All you really want is a solution to your problem.