Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving is a time for family, fun, and food, but it can also become a bit stressful.

Maybe it’s the traveling, being around family you don’t see often, or just the busy energy

of the day. Here are some tips to help you manage any Thanksgiving stress so you can

enjoy yourself and feel more relaxed.

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Not every Thanksgiving looks like a holiday movie. Sometimes things are busy or

chaotic, and that’s okay. Let yourself focus on enjoying small moments like your favorite

dish or spending time with a family member you like!

2. Take Breaks if You Need To

Thanksgiving can mean a lot of family time, which can be tiring sometimes. Take a

break if you need to! Find a quiet room, take a walk, or bring something fun (like a book

or music) to recharge for a few minutes.

3. Have Fun with Mindful Eating

The Thanksgiving spread can be huge! Try small amounts of foods you love, take a few

slow bites to really enjoy each taste, and remember it’s okay not to try everything.

Eating slowly can help you feel more in control and avoid feeling too tired later.

4. Stay Positive with Family Boundaries

Sometimes family members talk about things that can feel stressful. It’s okay to change

the subject or walk away if conversations feel uncomfortable. “Hey, let’s talk about

something else!” or finding a new group to chat with can help keep things calm and

positive.

5. Start a Gratitude Moment

Thanksgiving is a great time to think about things you’re grateful for, whether that’s

friends, favorite hobbies, or your family. Maybe start a gratitude circle with family or

friends or write a few things down to keep as a reminder of the good stuff.

6. Bring a Fun Activity

If there’s downtime, it’s a great chance to relax with something you enjoy. Bring a game,

movie, book, or drawing supplies to do during breaks or to share with family members.

Doing something fun can help you stay entertained and calm.

7. Plan some Post-Holiday Relaxation

After Thanksgiving, it’s normal to feel a bit tired or overwhelmed. Think about how you

want to unwind over the weekend. Sleeping in, hanging out with friends, or catching up

on your favorite shows can be helpful ways to unwind.

Thanksgiving can feel like a busy time, but by taking things one step at a time, it’s

possible to enjoy the holiday in a way that feels fun and manageable. Have a great

Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and plenty of time to relax!

By: Victoria Phoenix, Psy.D.