Thanksgiving is a time of appreciation. A time to appreciate family and friends, and the many wonderful things in your life that bring joy and happiness.
Sometimes the busyness of the holiday takes over and the reason we take this time for Thanksgiving is lost. No one is immune to stress, and I’m sure that the holiday season doesn’t change that. Whether it’s the stress coming from the fact you have a full house of guests to please, or it’s the stress in knowing that you are going to be overindulging in sweets and jumping off your healthy track, or even the stress of the official start of the holiday season. Whatever the case, the purpose of this article is to help you overcome that feeling of stress, and simply enjoy the time and holiday.
What is my trigger?
In order to properly deal with any stressful situation, we must first identify what triggers our stress. Is it the people, the process, the planning/schedule? If it’s the meal, plan ahead, here is an article to help with your plan. Plan out the menu days, even weeks ahead of time, allowing for a smooth shopping and prep phase. Select dishes, drinks, and even meal substitutions should anything be unavailable to you, etc. Purchase groceries as early as possible, without risking food spoilage. If you can, prepare dishes ahead of time. Let go of the reins a bit and ask (or allow) others to contribute to the meal. Lastly, but certainly not least, plan out the actual day. This way you will be able to appreciate the people you are with and enjoy the meal. To do this, organization is key. With Thanksgiving only one week away, now is the time to act so that you’re not flustered the day of.
Sometimes the busyness of the holiday takes over and the reason we take this time for Thanksgiving is lost. No one is immune to stress, and I’m sure that the holiday season doesn’t change that. Whether it’s the stress coming from the fact you have a full house of guests to please, or it’s the stress in knowing that you are going to be overindulging in sweets and jumping off your healthy track, or even the stress of the official start of the holiday season. Whatever the case, the purpose of this article is to help you overcome that feeling of stress, and simply enjoy the time and holiday.
What is my trigger?
In order to properly deal with any stressful situation, we must first identify what triggers our stress. Is it the people, the process, the planning/schedule? If it’s the meal, plan ahead, here is an article to help with your plan. Plan out the menu days, even weeks ahead of time, allowing for a smooth shopping and prep phase. Select dishes, drinks, and even meal substitutions should anything be unavailable to you, etc. Purchase groceries as early as possible, without risking food spoilage. If you can, prepare dishes ahead of time. Let go of the reins a bit and ask (or allow) others to contribute to the meal. Lastly, but certainly not least, plan out the actual day. This way you will be able to appreciate the people you are with and enjoy the meal. To do this, organization is key. With Thanksgiving only one week away, now is the time to act so that you’re not flustered the day of.
Just taking a few moments to relax and organize your plan will do a lot to reduce stress down the road
How can I deal?
Now that you know what causes your stress-- try to implement things that allow you to alleviate that stress. Do you enjoy working out, taking a bubble bath, reading, or even just phoning a friend? When it comes to prepping and taking time out for yourself, do so before the day has really begun. If you read my last article, I mentioned I love to workout. I believe it clears my mind, body, and spirit, and helps me focus. Specifically in times of added stress and anxiety, working out allows me to refocus my energy, and get an endorphin booster. Plus, if you work out beforehand, that is just a cherry on top, or in this case, the gravy on the turkey, allowing for a little less guilt in that second or third helping.
Make it a group effort!
Don’t spend Thanksgiving alone in the kitchen while everyone else is in the living room. Delegate a few tasks to family and friends - this way you can all be together. It will make the task less daunting, it will be more fun, and it will keep everyone together. Remember, it’s okay to let go of the reins a little bit.
Keep your priorities in order!
Did you burn the turkey? Did the pie not come out as great as you planned? IT’S OKAY. Thanksgiving is about the people, not the food. People coming together to appreciate one another and all we have. Besides a little burnt turkey never hurt anyone.
So, remember, know your stressors, compartmentalize tasks, adapt and overcome and, whatever you do, do not lose the true meaning of Thanksgiving; appreciation. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Written By: Alexandra O'Neil, Communications Manager
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