Thanksgiving is a very special holiday with a very special meaning behind the celebration – gratitude. The purpose of this holiday is simple but holds a great appeal. As the holiday season approaches, many of us forget to focus on self-care.
And I’m not talking about physical self-care.
Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thanksgiving looked a little different. With many of us celebrating via online gathering, having small get-togethers, and not being able to travel back home due to travel restrictions.
While the situation has slightly changed, there are still many aspects we need to take care of. Holidays can be stressful for many reasons and the add-in uncertainty of the future, our mental health is taking a toll, even in 2021.
Here are the ways you can take care of your mental health this Thanksgiving season!
If You’re Spending The Holiday Alone…
Health tips for thanksgiving if you’re spending the holiday season by yourself this year:
1.Focus On Your Sleep Schedule
The holiday season means working extra hours to make sure your work is complete as is your shopping, right? But working overtime can cause you to compromise on sleep that can affect your mental health in the end. To prevent the holiday from overwhelming you, make sure you get the right amount of sleep.
2.Stick To A Routine
Holidays, undoubtedly, distract us from our normal routine and once our routine is disturbed, it can add to our mental struggles. It’s important to stick to your normal routine as much as you can during the holiday season.
3.Create A Mindful Budget
When you live alone, holiday expenses can create financial stress too. If unexpected purchases add to your stress, then create a mindful budget beforehand. This budget can include expenses such as decorations, food, etc. Once this budget is created, stick with the plan! If you’re planning for shopping after Thanksgiving, make sure you plan for that in your budget too.
4.Don’t Skip Workout
Exercising for at least 30 minutes every day can give your mood a boost! You can sneak in physical activity by going on a hike in the morning, doing aerobic exercises in the morning, playing music, and dancing around the house. If the weather is nice then you can spend some time in nature.
If You’re Stressed About An Uncertain Future…
Mental health tips for thanksgiving if you’re stressed this year:
5.Focus On Your Feelings
Being stressed and worried about an uncertain future is normal so it’s important to not ignore or avoid these feelings. Accept and acknowledge these emotions. Check-in with yourself throughout the holiday week and acknowledge the feelings you’re experiencing. Do whatever you need to do to cope with these feelings.
6.Practice Gratitude
Thanksgiving is the holiday where you express gratitude towards what you’re most grateful for – so let’s do that! Take some time before the day to focus on the aspects of your life that are going well. Take a look at the things you’d normally take for granted. Relish these moments and express your gratitude.
7.Focus On What You Can Control
Focus on the present and what you can control. Sit down with yourself and create a list of the things you can control. Remember, you can’t control how others act but you can control how you react. Let go of the things that are out of your control. If it helps, write down your worries in a journal and work out what is in your control and what’s not.
If You’re Grieving or Stuck In A Toxic Environment…
Tips for thanksgiving if you’re grieving or stuck in a toxic environment:
8.Reach Out
If you’re grieving the loss of your loved one, a pet, or a public figure you looked up to this holiday season, it doesn’t mean you can’t feel happiness this holiday season. Reach out to your loved ones either via video calls or in-person (with social distancing in mind). If you’re stuck in a toxic environment, you can always reach out to a mental health professional for help.
Remember, whatever the circumstance, you’re not alone!
9.Give To Others
Helping others is also a part of your Thanksgiving self-care. Did you know that random acts of kindness can make you feel happier? Anything that takes your attention away from your current dilemma and makes you focus on another person can be beneficial for your overall well-being.
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed…
Tips for thanksgiving if you feel too overwhelmed this year:
10. Connect With A Support Group
I get it. The holiday season can be stressful and overwhelming (sometimes both at the same time) but instead of letting your worries and stress overwhelm you, reach out to your support system and if you don’t have one, then you can connect with a mental health support group online.
Additional Resources To Help You Cope
If you’re still struggling with taking care of your mental health, you can contact these helpline numbers to help cope:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text DS to 741741
The Trevor Project LGBTQ Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
Helpline Resources from NAMI
Writer’s Thoughts
Thanksgiving can mean different things to different people. The celebrations may differ in different parts of the world and can mean different things in other cultures but the essence of the holiday remains the same – expressing thankfulness and gratitude for what we have.
If you’re struggling with celebrating Thanksgiving and taking care of your mental health this holiday season, then I hope the above self-care tips for Thanksgiving help you.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with coping with your mental health, you can reach out to a professional or connect with us at info@calmsage.com.
Let us know what your Thanksgiving plans are this year in the comments below!
“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following impulse.” – Henry Van Dyke
Take Care and Happy Thanksgiving!
The post 10 Thanksgiving Self-Care Tips To Improve Your Well-Being This Holiday Season! appeared first on Calm Sage – Your Guide to Mental and Emotional Well-being.