6 Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health Over Thanksgiving
The leaves changing color and temperature dropping are clear signs that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to connect with family and friends and recognize all we have to be grateful for. However, it can also be an incredibly stressful experience for people, which can lead to feelings of dread, anxiety, or worry. In fact, studies have shown that the majority of adults find the holiday season (the beginning of November through the New year) as the most stressful time of the year.
Thanksgiving may mean returning to an uncomfortable environment, navigating difficult relationships, or avoiding conversations you’d rather not engage in. As we approach the holiday, it’s important to recognize we don’t have to sacrifice our mental health to enjoy this time of year.
Below are ways we can protect and prioritize our mental health during Thanksgiving.
Practice gratitude
Expressing gratitude can help decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, reduce stress levels, improve mood, and better your overall well-being. You can do this by writing down three things you’re grateful for or telling someone what you appreciate about them.
Prioritize your physical health
Holidays are largely food and alcohol-based. While it’s a great time to indulge, it’s helpful to also prioritize aspects of our physical health. This can look like limiting or avoiding alcohol, maintaining consistent sleep hours, or making sure to move your body every day.
Go outside while it’s light out
As our daylight hours shorten, it requires us to be more intentional in planning our days. Soaking up vitamin d is important as it helps us produce neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which can help to regulate our mood.
Schedule downtime before returning to work
Holidays can be incredibly draining for our social battery. If your Thanksgiving is out of state, consider going home on Saturday instead of Sunday!
Spend time with loved ones
Humans are social creatures that thrive when experiencing moments of connection. Social engagement can lower our stress levels and provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning. However, while it’s important to spend quality time with those you love, it’s equally important to balance spending time alone and time with other people.
Remember your boundaries
You do not have to engage in conversations or situations that make you uncomfortable. You’re allowed to say no! Phrases like “I don’t feel comfortable discussing that right now” or “I would prefer not to discuss that topic” are great phrases to have in your back pocket. It can be helpful to think about what you are and are not okay with before you’re in the situation. If you’re attending with a friend or partner, discuss this with them as well. It can be hard to say no when put on the spot. Setting expectations ahead of time may allow you to feel more confident enforcing your boundaries in the moment.
One of the best ways to prioritize your mental health over Thanksgiving is to keep your therapy appointment! Telehealth allows us to meet virtually when in-person is not an option which can be a wonderful tool when entering higher stress environments. If you’re not currently working with a therapist and would like some extra support, click the button below to begin working with one of our clinicians just in time for the holiday season!
Sydney Gideon, LCSW
About the Author
Sydney Gideon, LCSW is a clinical social worker specializing in trauma & PTSD, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder. She incorporates EMDR, CBT, and Trauma-Informed Therapy into her treatment. Read more about Sydney here.