The Turnstone: talking about vaccines #33

Have a safe and restful holiday season (2 minute read)

This is a time of year when we are often catching up with friends and family we haven’t seen for a while. It can be a wonderful time, but it can also be difficult. And, I admit, it may not be the ideal time to start a conversation with someone about whether they or their children have been vaccinated.

So, instead of focusing on vaccines this week, I am focusing more generally on resources to help with the difficult conversations that can happen during this holiday season. It may be that the best thing to do over the next couple of weeks is to focus on looking after ourselves and maintaining relationships. It is maintaining these relationships which will help us to have better conversations about vaccines in the future.

I hope that you have a safe and restful holiday season.

Jarrah forest in Western Australia. Nothing to do with vaccines or difficult conversations, but I always find the forest calming (image credit: Melanie Newfield)

Look after yourself (6 minute read)

If this is a difficult time, it is particularly important that you take care of yourself. This article has some good suggestions for how to manage your own stress and emotions at this time of year.

10 Tips to Stress Less during the holiday season | WayAhead

Deflect, don’t confront (6 minute read)

Although it’s from last year, the pandemic is still with us and the advice is still sound. In particular, there is a great suggestion for defusing a situation which is getting heated.

How to avoid a pandemic-induced family bust-up this Christmas - NZ Herald

Find common ground (7 minute read)

This article is aimed at those who have family members following conspiracy theories, but the general advice is good for anyone who has to deal with family that they strongly disagree with.

How to Love People Who Love Conspiracies - The Atlantic

Don’t trust your gut (14 minute and 16 minute audios)

While this advice may seem counter-intuitive, it is a reminder that sometimes our emotional responses can make a situation worse. There’s also a second part

Difficult Conversations at Christmas Time Part 1 - Drivetime (rte.ie)

Difficult Conversations at Christmas Time Part 2 - Drivetime (rte.ie)