3 Tips to De-Stress Your Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about family traditions. Whether chatting during meal preparation, watching football as a family, or going out for hours of shopping—family comes to life on Thanksgiving. We all look forward to spending time together and enjoying favorite family recipes, but all that family in one place can be stressful. Fortunately, you don’t have to let the stress ruin your holiday. Here are some suggestions that will help you have a happy and stress-free Thanksgiving.

1. Foster genuine gratitude. Encourage your children to see how important it is to have a thankful heart. This is a time to reflect on the accomplishments and joys you and your family have experienced. Coordinate a volunteer event in your family or neighborhood to help someone in need. There is no greater joy than to be a blessing to someone else.
2. Anticipate the family time and reminisce about years past. It is fun to think about each family member and which part of the meal they look forward to most. When the table is set and everyone is seated for the meal, take turns expressing the things that you are most thankful for. It is so sweet to hear everyone talk about what matters the most. Take a family picture so you can look back on the memories that have been made.
3. Take a walk. When you have had enough of the kitchen craziness, head outside in the brisk air for a walk. There are many benefits of getting your body moving. When walking, your increased rate of breathing moves oxygen through your bloodstream. It promotes digestion and can have a calming effect because the release of endorphins can relieve pain and stimulate relaxation.

So, when Uncle Bob starts telling the embarrassing story you hate—or when the kids start to fight—remember not to stress. Enjoy the time with your family and remember to keep the holiday spirit alive and well.