Happy Thanksgiving! Let's Take a Pause!

A Feast Full of Stuffing, Turkey, and a Slice of Stress

With so many activities, the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming at times. From deciding where to eat to who is cooking, how many people are coming over, decorating, and ensuring you have enough food to feed everyone. It's a hectic time of year! Despite all of the stressful planning, I want you to take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. Everything you have planned is spectacular! You should be pleased with yourself. But for now, I want you to focus on yourself rather than the stressful planning.

• How are you currently feeling?

• Are you experiencing a tired sensation in your body? Warm? Excited? Sad?

• What are you thinking about right now?

• Do you want something to drink?

• Do you need to sit quietly?

• What do you require at this precise moment?

Take the time to ask yourself these questions to ensure you are not feeling overburdened by a long to-do list and to remind yourself that everything will be perfectly alright. Try to listen to what your body is telling you about the tension in your shoulders. Let's take a quick break from the headache you're experiencing!

Thanksgiving Mindfulness Activity:

Tip #1: Establish a positive mindset

• Spend five minutes becoming aware of your breath. Accept the moment as it is and give yourself permission to let go of any worry or anxious thoughts you may be carrying.

Tip #2: Identify and acknowledge your emotions

• Before accepting these encounters, acknowledge your feelings for five minutes. Are you happy, depressed, furious, or sad? Allow yourself time to sit with your feelings and ideas; be aware of any intense emotions. The first step is to acknowledge these emotions.

Tip #3: Bring awareness to each of your five senses

• Try a 5-minute mindful eating exercise by using all of your 5 senses to savor the pile of mashed potatoes or a slice of apple pie. If you prefer to meditate in an as quiet place, try this exercise the morning of Thanksgiving to help you practice you can later apply it when you are with your family.

Tip 4: Begin with self-appreciation

• By enabling us to show up for those around us with gratitude and love, self-love may be a strong force that helps us prioritize our needs. Spend some time during the holiday reflecting on all your accomplishments and goals. It's the season to give thanks, but don't forget to thank yourself for everything you do for your family, loved ones, and, of course, yourself!

Tip #5: Highlight the positives

• Focus on what you appreciate in life the big and the small. Reflect on the food, family, and life. What are some of the things that have happened in the last year or so that have made you so happy and proud? Describe one thing you are grateful for today!

Now, hopefully, you can cherish yourself a little more after this activity and know you are absolutely amazing! Enjoy all of the wonderful foods, music, and Thanksgiving parades, and remember, rockstar, it is perfectly acceptable to nap after a delicious meal.