Day 71: Thanksgiving Thoughts

The holidays can be such a tricky time for so many.

The sense of obligation, feelings of entitlement, hopes for a positive experience, and the urge to avoid or just play nice.

Whichever it is in your case, I wanted to share a few things that can help.

If you are traveling and staying as guests: excuse yourself and go for a walk, or take a drive if you have a car. Being out of your element can be taxing so bring as many creature comforts from home as you can.

If you are home alone for the holidays: make yourself a warm drink, put on one of your favorite movies, and sleep as much as you would like. Try to avoid social media and any substances that may make you feel worse after the buzz.

If you are hosting… yikes, this is me speaking out of my ass because we don’t host. But, based on what I’ve seen from people who have hosted: ask the happy eaters to clear and clean up. Your guests will be happy to help knowing how much effort you put into hosting. Just give them a bit of direction then go plop yourself down and enjoy what you’ve made happen.

Regardless of who you’re spending the holidays with or what you will be doing, keep these psychological and physiological stabilizers in your back pocket:

• Emotional Freedom Technique (Brad Yates on YouTube is my favorite)

• Guided meditaitons

• Box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds: repeat 4 times)

• Journaling

• Taking a stroll

• Mantras

  • “This is only temporary”

  • “This will be over before I know it”

  • “I have no control over others behaviors”

  • “They’re doing the best they can with what they have”

• Prayer

Wishing everyone celebrating (or begrudging) Thanksgiving tomorrow a day full of peace, fulfillment, and fuzzy socks.