Expert advice
Roxy Rhodes is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur and business coach. roxyrhodes.co.uk
Dr Gauri Seth is an emotional intelligence and connection coach. brainbased connection.co.uk
‘What are you doing for your birthday?’ It’s a question that makes my blood run cold. It’s imbued with connotations of a perfect, Hallmark-style day, where I look amazing, feel amazing and receive amazing presents. And I never choose the ‘wrong’ thing to do (a family day out at the beach on the rainiest day of the year, circa 2017, I’m looking at you).
Every time I think about my birthday, Christmas, a family celebration, or even just my children’s sports days or school plays, I feel a wave of anxiety. I need to have the best time, take fantastic, Insta-worthy photos, and soak up every single second. Because, well, that’s what we’re supposed to do, isn’t it?
Many of us find big occasions stressful. Often there are complex and deeply personal reasons for struggling to enjoy these milestones: bereavements and complicated family
