Thanksgiving is a time for family get-togethers, friendsgivings, turkey, pumpkin pie, and sharing what you’re grateful for. As your calendar starts to fill up with holiday activities, and the pressure to see as many family members and friends as possible, makes it easy to let your own well-being fall by the wayside. However, Thanksgiving break is a great time to pause, and recharge mentally and emotionally before the final stretch of the year. Make this Thanksgiving a time to focus on what really matters, goals you’ve achieved, and set goals you want to achieve.

Reconnect With Yourself

Taking a break isn’t something you should think of as a luxury or something you only deserve to do when certain things have been accomplished, but make it a regular part of taking care of your mental health. “Research has repeatedly shown that breaks are necessary for cognitive function, mental well-being, and overall performance.” So when you allow your mind to rest, you improve your ability to solve problems, think creatively, and manage stress. Stepping away from the daily grind not only feels good, but also reduces the production of cortisol⎯the body’s primary stress hormone⎯to help lower stress levels.

Gratitude & Mental Wellbeing

Thanksgiving is centered around gratitude and taking time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of life. Gratitude isn’t something you should practice just over Thanksgiving, but year-round as well. Spending just a few minutes each day practicing gratitude can help your mental well-being, shift perspectives, and even benefit your physical health.

Connect With Loved Ones

Spending time with loved ones plays an important part in supporting overall well-being because it nurtures a strong sense of social connection and belonging, and can reduce feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Meaningful connections make people feel secure in sharing experiences, frustrations, and asking for guidance and help.

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is important for mental health because it encourages a deeper awareness of the body’s hunger and fullness cues. By paying attention to the taste, texture, and experience of each bite, you can reduce stress, prevent overeating, and break patterns of emotional or mindless eating (if this is something you struggle with). This practice also promotes self-compassion and patience as it shifts focus from external pressures or distractions to being aware and present in the moment. Over time, mindful eating can improve mood, reduce anxiety around food (if this is something you struggle with), and support overall emotional well-being, making it a simple yet powerful tool for nurturing both mind and body.

Take Time To Reflect & Reset

Taking time to reflect and reset over Thanksgiving is so valuable because it gives you a chance to slow down, step back from daily stressors, and reconnect with what really matters. Reflecting allows you to acknowledge your accomplishments, process challenges, and how you’ve grown over the last year. Resetting also gives you a chance to recharge mentally and emotionally so you feel more energized when you get back from the holiday.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries will help you protect your energy and mental health. It is okay to say “no.” You don’t have to accept every invitation, cook every dish, or participate in every single family tradition or friendsgiving.

  • Communicate your feelings⎯Let family and friends know what you can do and what you won’t have time for during this visit.
  • Take necessary breaks⎯If you feel overwhelmed at any point, step away for a few minutes. Find a quiet room to practice mindfulness exercises, or go for a walk outside to clear your head.
  • Disconnect from the internet⎯Limit, or fully disconnect from social media. Comparing your Thanksgiving to the curated highlight reels of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Put your phone away and enjoy the time with the people around you.

Celebrate The Good

No family is perfect, and holidays can bring up a lot of feelings. It’s important to focus your energy on good things like enjoying home cooked food, baking, seeing friends, etc. Make a conscious effort to focus on what positive things will happen each day.

Make This Thanksgiving Your Time to Recharge

Thanksgiving is not only for spending time with family and friends, but also an opportunity to pause, recharge, and focus on your mental health. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, connecting with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness exercises, use the holiday to replenish your energy and reset your mind. By taking this time for yourself, you’ll be ready to finish the year out strong!

Counseling In DC, MD & VA & Telehealth In 43 States

Your mental health should be a priority, and if you find yourself struggling to balance all you have going on in life, don’t struggle alone. Our therapists at Georgetown Psychology offer in-person appointments in Georgetown (DC), Bethesda (MD), and McLean (VA), and telehealth appointments in 43 states. We are here to help you navigate any issues you’re facing. For more information about our counseling services or to schedule an appointment, contact Sarah Smathers, our Client Services Specialist, at sarah@georgetownpsychology.com or (301) 652-5550.