How to Handle Toxic People During the Holidays

What It Covers

Rob Dial explains how to handle toxic family members during holidays by understanding their behavior stems from unresolved trauma, not you, and implementing emotional detachment strategies.

Key Questions Answered

• •Emotional trigger identification: Before attending events with toxic people, journal specific triggers like being dismissed or judged, then rehearse empowering phrases to repeat mentally when triggered occurs.
• •Breathing technique for self-soothing: Take deep breaths followed by long humming exhales to stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and shifting from fight-or-flight to calm.
• •Breaking reactive patterns: Pause before responding to toxic behavior instead of reacting automatically; refusing to engage in expected patterns discourages button-pushing and often redirects toxic behavior toward others.