This post is for everyone. Many people travel to with Family during the holidays. Siblings, aunts and uncles, tons of cousins, all packed into a single domicile.

At some point, people, usually introverts, need to find some way to get in some alone time.

It makes sense to post this on wfh office because the majority of freelancers and remote employees identify as an introvert.

So what are our top tips for when you need to get away for a while during a family vacation? Here are some tried and true methods to help ease your frustration and pain.

1. Take a Nap

Between the copious amounts of food and booze, it shouldn’t be hard for you to sneak away for a much needed nap. Lock the door, strip down, and just crash.

Most people probably won’t even realize you’re gone. And those who do can’t fault you for needing a nap.

(For the record, I take a lot of naps and my family knows I do. If I’m missing, everyone rightfully assumes I snuck off to get some sleep. Freelancing is so hard!)

Napping becomes a way of life during the holidays. Between the sauce, the food, the stress, the cold weather, and the annoying family members, we all need a little extra.

2. Go for a Walk

Going for a walk has a lot of benefits. First, with all of the eating and boozing, it’s nice to get in a little bit of exercise when you’re regular gym is hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Also, the oxygen boost will help to wake you up and improve your mood.

Grab some headphones and your smartphone and go for a walk. Even if someone does want to bother you, you won’t be able to hear them. And you don’t have to stop walking until you’re ready to go back to the family home.

3. Find Something to Do

Freelancers are lucky. We can bring our work with us, no matter where we go. If you’ve read some of our recent holiday posts, you’ll know how much some of our staff members love this option.

But you don’t have to work. What kind of hobbies do you have?

You can take a knitting project with you. You can take a gaming laptop. Books.

Take a variety of personal projects and other hobby-related items to help pass the time.

4. Be the Instigator

Although I don’t recommend this method, it’s a sure-fire way to get people to leave you alone.

If you’re trying to work or do something else that matters to you and know one will shut up or leave you alone, inciting a riot could be enough to accomplish your goal.

It may also get you banned from future family events. Depending on how you feel about your family, this could be a good thing.

5. Go See a Movie

Go see a movie? Really?

Yes. Really.

We live in a world full of Ubers and Lyfts. Not having a vehicle is no longer something that has to stop you from getting out and getting away from your family.

Some of the best movies of the year are released during the holiday season. If you need some time away, movies are a perfect way to do that. The room is dark, the movie is hopefully good, and you won’t have to think about anything going on with your family for at least a couple of hours.

With any luck, you’ll leave feeling recharged and ready to head back to your family ready to handle whatever they throw at you.

6. Go To a Bar

Bars are probably going to be full of people who are just like you. Well, half-full. The other half are people who don’t have any family. They’re lonely and they just want to get out of the house. As freelancers who work from home, most of us can relate, right?

Going to bars have become a large part of being social in our society. People go to bars every day. Sometimes, they go with friends or significant other, but sometimes people just go to be alone and have a drink.

There is nothing wrong with this practice. Enjoying being alone, and this includes the occasional adult beverage, doesn’t make you a bad person nor does it make you an alcoholic.

7. Lead the Pack

If you’re dealing with kids, it can be hard to get anything done. But the same thing can definitely be said for adults as well.

One way you can get around the inconvenience of holiday family gatherings is to do all of the planning for family events. Plan breakfasts, gift openings, and movie screenings.

This way, you know when everything is going to be taking place and you can organize some freelance work or alone time around those events. For people who like to plan things and have an itinerary for their vacation, we think this is a perfect idea for you. For more information on the topic, you can read more at this blog.

Conclusion

While family vacations can certainly feeling overwhelming, carving out some alone time for yourself to work or relax is definitely doable.

The only method to avoid it entirely is to skip family gatherings during the holidays. But this isn’t in your best self-interest.

This is the season where families should be together. No one likes a Scrooge type in the house. Especially if you’re blessed enough to work from home and can work whenever you want. Remember, not everyone gets to live this super sweet lifestyle. Do what you can to make them happy on one of the few days they get to take off a year.

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