Thanksgiving can be a beautiful holiday filled with gratitude, opportunities for gathering with loved ones, and eating delicious food. However, the holiday can also bring its fair share of stress. From hosting family gatherings to managing travel logistics, people can quickly lose their excitement for the holiday season. Developing a proactive plan can help with stress reduction and restore your enjoyment of a special day.

Columbia Associates recognizes the reality of holiday stress and offers anxiety treatment services to support your mental health needs during an even busier than normal, season. Call 703.682.8208 today to hear more about our mental health offerings.

Thanksgiving Stress

Holidays can turn sharply from a day of fun and celebration into a source of anxiety. There can be pressure to create a perfect family gathering, shop for and cook a fancier meal, coordinate travel plans and sleeping arrangements, and navigate any complex family dynamics. Financial concerns can also arise due to spending outside of your normal budget. All of these things contribute to stress. Acknowledging these factors is the first step toward building a plan for stress reduction.

8 Tips for Thanksgiving Stress Reduction

1. Plan Ahead

Take time in advance to organize a schedule that will work for you, including meal prep, travel arrangements, and guest lists. Developing a clear plan can be a stress-reducing activity.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Another stress-reducing activity is mindfulness. Practice things like meditation or deep breathing to stay calm amidst the holiday hustle.

3. Delegate Tasks

Share responsibility. Delegate cooking or decorating tasks to family members or friends. Feeling less burdened will help you enjoy the day.

4. Set Realistic Expectations

Realize ahead of time that things may not go as planned and focus on enjoying the moments rather than striving for perfection.

5. Incorporate Physical Activity

Wake up early for a morning walk or yoga session. Getting some light exercise can help release tension and lift your mood, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.

6. Limit Social Media

Too much scrolling can lead to comparison. Avoid the trap of feeling like your own festivities aren’t good enough when comparing them to others.

7. Create a Gratitude List

Reflect on what you’re thankful for and share it with others. Gratitude is, after all, the point of Thanksgiving.

8. Schedule “Me Time”

Set aside some quiet time for yourself, even if it’s only a few minutes. Find a quiet corner to sip some tea, read a few pages of a book, or just enjoy a moment of peace.

A plan for stress reduction that includes stress-reducing activities is a great way to get ahead of potential anxiety and embrace holiday fun.

More on Stress-Reducing Activities

Practicing mindfulness is a great way to help reduce stress no matter what day of the year it is. There are other stress-reducing activities like these that are also helpful to weave into your holiday season:

• Mindfulness activities – Deep breathing, meditation, or gratitude journaling are great ways to focus your mind in the present and help you find peace in the midst of a stressful time
• Physical activities – Light exercises like walking, yoga, or stretching can be a great way to set yourself up for success on a stressful day
• Relaxation techniques – Listening to calming music or practicing aromatherapy are a couple of ways to relax and unwind in healthy ways

Finding a moment for yourself in the middle of the holiday hustle can be just the thing you need to return to the festivities with a sense of calm and renewed ability to enjoy time with your loved ones.

How Columbia Associates Can Help

Columbia Associates offers a range of services designed to support stress management and overall mental health throughout the year. Some of our services include mental health therapies, psychiatric medication management, and interventional treatments like NeuroStar TMS and Spravato®.

Call Columbia Today for Mental Health Support

Thanksgiving should be a time of joy and reflection, not stress and anxiety. By implementing stress-reducing activities and asking for help when needed, you can better enjoy the holiday season. It’s helpful to remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. Give us a call today at 703.682.8208 to learn more about our mental health services.

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