You've already started haven't you? That's okay...one or two cheese biscuits.....some pumpkin pie....the oven makes the kitchen warm and inviting now that the chilly winter weather is starting to find us.
An egg nog toast here, a chocolate truffle there....and you just want to cuddle up all roly poly and hibernate. Who cares about your pants fitting? Charlie Brown's holiday special is on and you can finally take those big sweats and college sweatshirts out of the closet.
Maybe you've got a handle on all the holiday goodies; mindful of the potential tummy aches and turkey-induced nap times. Or perhaps you're anxious because the holidays produce for you a stress-boosting, eat everything in sight to drown out the family squabbles over religion and politics feeling - an emotional stuffing of sorts.
This year may be a super celebration; new family, new baby, new guests, new environment; or this November could be the hardest season you have ever had to face financially, emotionally, physically, spiritually - wondering just how you're going to feed your family.....
Let's be mindful of all possible scenarios that affect our Sista's and Brothers everywhere this year.
Here are a few of my own Thanksgiving Relaxation Tips (I'm the oldest of six kids, so I have six tips):
1. Take a deep breath (try for 3) and count backward from 10 to 1 when you are faced with potential conflicts, arguments, challenges, bills, your Aunt's impossible recipe, a mountain of dishes, your favorite football team losing... or those crazy shopping lines (Kohl's opens at 4am on 'Black Friday' - WHAT?!! That's insane.....{Breathe, Natalie, Breathe...} I'm going to be dreaming of sugarplums.....)
2. Avoid over-indulging on caffeine, alcohol and sugar (after that initial first helping so as not to insult your Grandma who's been cooking for days). Strengthen your body with foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Your healthy diet (make your plate colorful) can help you remain calm in high-stress situations. You can always detox by DRINKING MORE WATER!
3. Before attempting any big endeavor (hosting your first Thanksgiving, cooking yourself, interviews, tests, a big game, or any other activity that can make you nervous or anxious) visualize yourself doing it in a calm and relaxed manner. See yourself coming out on top; succeeding in grand fashion! Imagine all the possible positive scenarios in your mind. See how many ways you can envision an outstanding outcome!
4. If you know that there will be something anxious coming your way (the aunts who always keep steering the conversation to how you've grown older and wider, or the cousin who keeps trying to set you up on blind holiday dates because you look lonely....the mortgage that seems scary...the turkey catching on fire...the homework you haven't done....the office party you don't want to go to...too much free time and you're bored......or any other face-cringing National Lampoon's moment or strange conversation) TAKE A TIME OUT!!! Go for a walk, take a power nap, journal your feelings, hit or kick a ball at the park (nothing beats Thanksgiving Day football at the park or in the backyard), go to the batting cages, and BREATHE (remember step #1?); BREATHE DEEP, take a break from the stress, and see everything going well; Soft music, light a candle, close your eyes and see your happy place.
5. Exercise on a regular basis. Try your best to be consistently good to your body during the holidays. Do reps with the gallons of milk you just brought in from the car.....challenge your brother to push ups....do calf raises as you do the dishes....This will help you to better regulate the impact that anxiety and stress (and too much turkey and pie) can have on your life.
6. Remember: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! YOU ARE LOVED!
QUOTE FOR THANKSGIVING:
"Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead. Do not write them on their tombstones; speak them rather now instead." - Anna Cummins
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