Before the Family Gatherings Begin: Protecting Your Energy for June Holidays

It’s that time of year again, the weather’s warmer, the days are longer, and the invitations for family get-togethers start rolling in. Barbecues, Father’s Day celebrations, graduation parties… June is packed with reasons to gather with loved ones.

While seeing family can be heartwarming and fun, let’s be honest: it can also feel a little overwhelming sometimes. Maybe there’s that one relative who always asks too many personal questions. Or the never-ending chatter that drains your social battery faster than your phone’s at a party.

If you’ve ever come home from a family event feeling completely wiped out, you’re not alone. That’s why protecting your energy before the gatherings begin is so important. When you take care of yourself first, you can actually enjoy the celebrations instead of dreading them.

Ways to take care of yourself

Start With What You Can Control

You might not be able to control how loud the party gets or what your uncle says at dinner, but you can control how you show up.

Before heading out, check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What do you need to feel more grounded today, maybe a short nap, a snack, or a quiet moment alone?

Taking care of your basic needs first can make a huge difference in how much energy you have left for everyone else.

Set a Gentle Boundary (In Your Mind First)

You don’t always have to announce your boundaries out loud. Sometimes, it’s enough to quietly remind yourself: I’m allowed to step away if I feel drained.

You can decide beforehand how much time you want to spend at the event, how many conversations you want to engage in, and when you’ll take a break.

Setting this gentle boundary for yourself gives you permission to leave or rest without guilt if you need to.

Stay Close to the People Who Feel Easy

Family gatherings usually bring together a wide range of personalities.
Some conversations leave you feeling uplifted, while others — even if unintentional — can be draining.

Be intentional about where you spend your time.

• Sit next to the cousin who shares your sense of humor.
• Chat with the grandparent who always makes you feel seen and loved.
• Spend time with the kids or pets if that feels more fun and relaxed.

You’re not being rude by choosing your company thoughtfully — you’re simply honoring what makes you feel most like yourself.

You Don’t Have to Answer Every Question

Family can get nosy. They ask about jobs, relationships, when you’re having kids, why you look tired, whatever.

You don’t owe anyone your personal business. You can answer lightly, redirect, or just smile and sip your drink.

Example moves:

• Laugh it off: “You always ask the best questions!”
• Redirect: “Speaking of big changes — did you hear about [insert random news]?”
• Keep it simple: “I’m focusing on a few things right now. I’ll share more when the time’s right.”

Plan Something Relaxing for Afterwards

When the gathering ends, it’s easy to immediately think about what’s next: cleaning up, answering messages, and preparing for tomorrow.

But give yourself permission to slow down after a long day of socializing.

Before the event even begins, plan a small treat for yourself later:

• A cozy bath
• Your favorite comfort food
• An early bedtime
• Watching a favorite show
• Simply putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and having quiet time

Having something peaceful to look forward to can make the gathering itself feel lighter and easier to enjoy.

Create an Energy Ritual Before and After

Small rituals can help you reset your energy before stepping into a busy space and after you leave it. Before the gathering, try a grounding ritual: deep breathing, listening to a favorite song that boosts your mood, or even taking a quick walk outside to clear your mind.

After the event, do a “release” ritual: shake out your arms and legs, journal a few thoughts, or simply say to yourself, “I release any stress from today.”

Rituals might seem small, but they act as powerful signals to your brain that you’re moving between different energy spaces with intention.

To Sum Up…

At the heart of it, family gatherings are a reminder of our deep-rooted connections, the beautiful, messy, human ties that weave our stories together. But even in the midst of love and laughter, it’s important to remember: you are the guardian of your own energy.

Protecting your peace isn’t selfish; it’s an act of love for yourself and for those around you.

When you care for your inner world, you show up with more presence, more patience, and more genuine joy.

This season, honor your energy like the precious resource it is, and trust that by doing so, you’re creating a more meaningful experience, both for yourself and for the people you care about most.

Join Jacqueline Kane’s Healing Circle, a supportive community where you can release stress, share your challenges, and find connection when life feels overwhelming.