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Handling the Verbal Lobs during the Holidays with Verbal Jujitsu

Unwanted or inappropriate remarks can further increase stress by causing discomfort, embarrassment, or feelings of being misunderstood or disrespected.


Decrease holiday stress with 7 Action Steps, Specific Breathing Techniques, and CBD. Part of a healthy lifestyle.


Remember that future behavior is often predicted by past behavior. Meaning: if last year your aunt got drunk, your Mom burned the dinner, your Uncle asked inapposite questions, Dad became MIA, the neighbor forced her political views, and the kids behaved badly, then you can expect more of the same.


So, if someone makes a remark that is critical of your beliefs, traditions, or choices, it can be hurtful and cause you to feel on edge or defensive.


Except when you know it is coming because it came last Holiday.


Since you know it is coming, what are you going to do? “Simple, make a plan”, said therapist Jennifer Rollin, founder of The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland. *


Before the get-together, think about what your needs are and what a friend or relative might say that would trigger you, she added.


“Decide in advance, these are comments that are triggering for me, and these are some things that I would say back to it,” Rollin said.

The idea is to not take it personally and to defuse the situation.


There are several ways that you can use words to defuse a situation:


  1. Stay calm: It's important to remain calm and not get overly emotional when trying to defuse a situation. This can help you think more clearly and come up with a solution that works for everyone. Remember to breath.

  2. Acknowledging the other person's emotions can help them feel heard and understood. Say "I understand how you feel."

  3. Suggesting a break or time-out can give both parties a chance to cool off and think more clearly about the situation. Say something and physically move away, "That is an interesting idea, would anyone like more eggnog?"

  4. Asking the other person for their input can help them feel like they have a say in finding a resolution and can also help to de-escalate the situation. Say something like, "What do you think would be a good solution to this problem?"

  5. Asking open-ended questions can help to shift the focus away from the initial source of stress and towards finding a solution or resolution. "Is there something else that you would like to talk about or resolve?”

  6. Use "I" statements: Instead of pointing the finger or placing blame on the other person, try using "I" statements to express how their actions or words have affected you.

  7. Find a compromise: Look for a solution that meets both of your needs. This may involve finding a middle ground or coming up with a creative solution that works for both of you.

It may take some time and patience but defusing a stressful situation can help to prevent conflicts from escalating and can lead to a more positive outcome for all parties involved.





Using Breath to reduce Stress


Breathing exercises can help to reduce stress by inducing the relaxation response, which is the opposite of the stress response.

The stress response is a natural physiological response that occurs in response to perceived threats or challenges, and it involves the release of stress hormones such as cortisol.

The relaxation response, on the other hand, is a state of deep rest that can be induced through various techniques, including controlled breathing.


Controlled breathing involves focusing on your breath and taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.


This can help to slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Deep breathing can also help to relax your muscles and calm your mind, which can further contribute to a sense of relaxation and stress reduction.



Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is one of the many compounds known as cannabinoids. People use CBD as part of a healthy regimen to support their overall health and well-being.


It's also important to use caution when purchasing and using CBD products. The quality and purity of CBD products can vary widely, and it is important to choose products that have been tested by a third party and that meet quality and safety standards.


Because research is still in the early stages, we can’t tell you exactly how much CBD to take for an issue. But we can offer a range of products that enable you to use CBD in different potencies so that you can choose what suits your lifestyle.


In general, it is a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, in addition to using any supplements or medications as directed by a healthcare provider.


Next - Learn about HOKO Holistics water-soluble Broad Spectrum CDB tinctures - click here.



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Before you use CBD for stress or any other purpose, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she can help you design your best anti-stress regimen and ensure that CBD won’t interact badly with any other medicines you might be taking. If all goes well, the next testimonial advocating CBD for stress might just come from you.


Disclaimer: The HOKO Holistics page contains general information about health, diet, lifestyle, and nutrition. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to note that the use of the internet or this service does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, please contact a healthcare provider. Any links to third-party websites are provided as a convenience only and HOKO Holistics is not responsible for their content.

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