I’ve been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving lately, and not just about the turkey and stuffing. This year, I really wanted to focus on my mental health during the holiday, since it can be a pretty stressful time.
So, I started by making a list of things that usually stress me out during Thanksgiving. You know, the usual stuff like family drama, travel headaches, and the pressure to make everything perfect. Just writing it all down made me feel a little better, like I was taking control of the situation.
- Identified my stress triggers.
- Planned for potential travel issues.
- Decided to let go of perfectionism.
Then, I decided to come up with some coping strategies. I knew I needed some tools to deal with the stress if it came up. One thing I tried was finding a quiet space to take a break when things got overwhelming. Just a few minutes alone really helped me recharge.
I also made an effort to be mindful and present during the day. I put my phone away and really focused on enjoying the time with my family. It was tough at first, but I realized how much more I was enjoying myself when I wasn’t constantly checking social media.
Another thing I did was to prioritize self-care. I made sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and take some time for myself each day. Even just a short walk or a few minutes of meditation made a big difference.
I also started setting boundaries. In the past, I would often find myself in arguments with family members during holidays. So this year, I decided to be a bit more proactive about avoiding those situations. I told myself it was okay to step away from a conversation that was getting heated. I also decided not to engage in topics that I knew would cause drama. It wasn’t always easy, but it definitely helped keep the peace and protected my mental health.
Overall Feelings
Honestly, it wasn’t always easy. There were still moments when I felt stressed or overwhelmed. But overall, I felt much more in control of my mental health this Thanksgiving. And you know what? I actually enjoyed the holiday more than I have in years. It felt good to prioritize my well-being and to know that I had the tools to handle whatever came up. I’m definitely going to keep using these strategies during future holidays, and I’d recommend them to anyone who’s looking for ways to manage stress and prioritize their mental health during Thanksgiving.
