Yes, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. But do you stress over having the perfect one with your family? That’s not fair when so much is already going on in your hasty life.
Indeed, holidays can be overwhelming for people who struggle to put effort and try to please everyone. Meal prep, house cleaning, and event hosting can lower your glucose level. Therefore, it is wise to prioritize your health and feel energetic at the same time. This autumn season calls for self-care and boosting your energy levels whether you’re hosting or attending Thanksgiving.
Here’s what you can do to lift the weight off your shoulders and prioritize your health this Thanksgiving:
- Start the day with a nice breakfast
- Plan a fun yet convenient menu
- Opt for video chats rather than long phone calls
- Do not feel pressurized to invite unpleasant people
- Focus on self-care this year
- Stay hydrated to feel active all-day
- Say no without feeling a sense of guilt
- Talk and reconnect with the family
- Simply feel gratitude toward life
- Lastly, enjoy to the fullest
1. Start the day with a nice breakfast
Holiday preps can be very intimidating. But it is mandatory to start your day right. First, try not to starve or eat low to save for dinner. Consider eating a healthy breakfast that might not be included in the thanksgiving dinner. Focus on a meal that gives you energy for the entire day’s grind- especially when you are the host.
2. Plan a fun yet convenient menu
Planning the menu can be exhausting- that’s for sure. People pleasers take much pressure to make everyone happy. Let’s burst that bubble for you. Planning a feast is not the goal here. Moreover, you have to chill and put out a fun yet convenient menu. So, host this year with some healthy snacks, nuts, lemonade, and less sugary drinks. Also, say no to complicated cocktails and cooking a giant turkey if you don’t feel like cooking.
3. Opt for video chats rather than long phone calls
I don’t know about you, but I’m not too fond of phone calls. Those extensive phone calls are not my thing. Avoid phone calls if you feel the same, and celebrate solo this year. Opt for video chats instead. In addition, do not feel pressurized to talk to negative people even if they are family. Wash off your face, wear the most effortless clothes, and video chat with your favorite person.
4. Do not feel pressurized to invite unpleasant people
Our families are the dearest. But we all have to face negative people who criticize everything we do. So, give yourself a break from unpleasant people. Try to avoid their presence or simply do not invite them to the dinner. If that’s possible. If you do, say hello and move on.
5. Focus on self-care this year
While we are still talking about prioritizing our health, focus on self-care this Thanksgiving. We all have been through a lot during the pandemic and still are. So, take a short walk around the block, exercise, and care for yourself before indulging in holiday preps.
6. Stay hydrated to feel active all day
As you know, the fall season comes with dehydration due to the sudden weather change. Also, it brings several mood swings with it. Therefore, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated throughout November and winter. Yes, we are still talking about Thanksgiving. So, try to avoid alcohol consumption and stay hydrated with water, mint, lemon, and fruits. And feel active throughout the day.
7. Say no without feeling a sense of guilt
It feels a relief when you are not hosting the dinner this time. But contributing a bit to the feast is a pleasure in itself. So, visit the host’s home a little before time and bring something they’d love. Furthermore, you can say no to some dishes if you are a picky eater. Fill your plate with small snacks, and do not go heavy on turkey if your stomach is full. You know, it’s okay to say no without feeling guilty. Hey, safe eating is healthy!
8. Talk and reconnect with the family
It’s a total misconception that Thanksgiving is all about dinner. Nay! Well, it’s more about reconnecting with your loved ones while having the yummiest feast of the year. So, talk and build those long-lost connections. Trust me; it’s more fulfilling than only eating the turkey. Share your best and the worst stories of the year, and talk your heart out.
9. Simply feel gratitude towards life
Do you ever exercise gratitude? Thanksgiving is about feeling gratitude for the smallest moments of your life. A moment of gratitude can contribute a lot to your health and wealth. If you want to feel happy, productive, and energetic, feel gratitude towards your life. Let’s practice that! When you gather at the dinner table, take a moment, feel gratitude and soak in the positive attitude.
10. Lastly, enjoy to the fullest
Indeed, the stress of having a perfect holiday can take all the enjoyment away. First of all, keep in mind that Thanksgiving can be different or less enjoyable this year. Secondly, stress can be bad for your health. So, it’s okay to enjoy a little and have some me-time instead of hosting the dinner. Whatever you do and however you plan to spend this Thanksgiving, just want to the fullest.
The bottom line
You must be waiting anxiously for Thanksgiving, like every year. But all the planning, cleaning, and pressure to host a perfect dinner can drain your energy. So, try these tips to have a healthy and energetic holiday. Start the day with a healthy breakfast and exercise, and plan a convenient menu. Video chat, reconnect with your loved ones, and do not feel pressured to please everyone. Skip the turkey if you don’t feel like cooking, and enjoy it to the fullest.
Have a healthy and energetic happy thanksgiving!