How to Keep Your Cool When Loved Ones Are Visiting This Summer

There are quite a few holidays during the summer months, on top of special birthdays and celebrations, which means family members will be arriving in town and staying for a short while. Whether they're staying at a hotel or in your home, some relatives might require more patience and a little extra TLC from you. If you're stuck on how to keep your cool when your dearest family members are working your nerves, here are a few creative ways to keep your cool and not blow your top.

Show off your mixologist skills by creating an at-home bar for your guests. Going out of the way to make them feel like they're truly on vacation may ease the potential tension and put everyone in relaxation mode. Grab a few bottles of your favorite spirits, pretty garnishes, and mixers to create tropical cocktails (or mocktails). Might we suggest Canada Dry Ginger Ale as the go-to chaser? Everyone loves its bubbly carbonation, sure to give your loved ones the refreshing ginger flavors that'll wash away their exhaustion from their travels.

With every streaming platform out there, we're sure your watchlist has some crossover with your family's watchlist. Chat about the latest show or movie you've watched and maybe they're seen it too. If the adults skew a little older, maybe ask them about a topic from their younger days that you're curious about. Whether it's grandpa's days as a rolling stone in his 20s or your aunt's not-so-secret obsession with reality TV housewives, there's bound to be a topic that gets them talking with glee.

Sometimes you just need to take serious topics off the table and add a few games to lighten the mood. Whether it's a board or card game, gathering around a fun activity can spark everyone's inner child playfulness. Just choose wisely: some games can really test those family ties. Watching your 80-year-old great aunt try to beat her 85-year-old sister with their little colorful figurines around a board game is just adorable (and creates new family memories).

Give yourself a reason to get out of the house, especially if you have family staying with you; it might be a good chance to check in on a friend you haven't seen in a while. Make plans to check out one of those restaurants that you undoubtedly have bookmarked and make a day out of it. Book that resy and throw on an outfit you love — nothing says good vibes like looking cute with your friends. Besides, it's perfectly fine to not spend every waking moment with your family anyways; they probably appreciate the break, too!

With some relatives, all you can do is give them a lot of love and even more patience. When you feel yourself getting stressed out and in need of a mental break, take five minutes to center yourself and calm your nerves. This can look like a few rounds of breathwork — deep rhythmic inhales and exhales into relaxation — or a quick 10-minute meditation to put yourself in a zen mental space and ready to handle any testy loved one.

When all else seems to not work (even though we're confident these tips absolutely will), just remember that your loved ones are not staying forever. The best you can do is keep your composure, make them comfortable, and enjoy the summer weather. As long as you stay cool and calm, the days will just fly by.