Smells of turkey from the kitchen, sounds of football on the TV, leaves on the ground. You know that means – Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to express gratitude and reconnect with friends and family members. However, it can also be a stressful, anxiety-inducing experience for many people. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your mental health during Thanksgiving.
Many people feel a certain amount of dread when it comes to Thanksgiving. It means returning to a place they’ve outgrown, spending time with people whose company they don’t enjoy, or pretending to be a person they no longer are. All of these activities can be taxing on your mental health.
You don’t have to give up your mental health in order to have a happy and successful Thanksgiving. Here are some simple things you can do to approach Thanksgiving on your own terms and protect your mental health during Thanksgiving.
Establish Boundaries
There is no better way to prepare for a large gathering than to think about your boundaries beforehand. When it comes to Thanksgiving, it can be easy to get swept up in other people’s plans.
Perhaps your in-laws will ask you to spend Thanksgiving night at their house or your sister will ask you to watch the kids when she goes Black Friday shopping.
When you’re put on the spot, it can be difficult to say no. This is why it can be helpful to establish boundaries on your own or with your partner before Thanksgiving.
Consider what you are and are not okay with before walking into the situation. Setting ground rules can give you more confidence to stick to your boundaries when the time comes. Establishing boundaries can help you avoid resentment and feel less drained this holiday season.
Interact On Your Own Terms
For many people, Thanksgiving feels more like an obligation than a choice. People deal with many societal and familial pressures to go home for the holidays.
However, we are here to remind you that you are allowed to choose if and how you participate. You don’t need to feel guilty for protecting your mental health during Thanksgiving.
Ultimately, you get to decide who you see and spend your Thanksgiving with. You also get to decide how much or how little you want to participate in certain activities.
Perhaps you agree to come for dinner, but not spend the night. Or perhaps you agree to help prepare dessert, but not spend the whole time in the kitchen. As you can see, there are ways in which you can honor your boundaries and still take part in the celebration.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
Everyone has a nosy aunt or uncle who always seems to be asking prying questions. It’s important to remember that you aren’t under any obligation to discuss topics that you don’t want to. You’re allowed to have privacy and keep things to yourself.
If anyone tries to start a conversation you don’t want to participate in, feel free to say:
- I don’t feel comfortable discussing that right now.
- I would prefer not to talk about this topic.
- I hope you can respect my privacy on this issue.
Take Breaks When Needed
The level of social interaction that occurs during Thanksgiving is a lot to handle. It can feel like you’re never alone or you always have to be “on” – especially if you’re hosting.
Pushing yourself when you’re exhausted or on the brink of overwhelm can actually make matters worse. You might become frustrated, short-tempered, or snappy. Give yourself time to step away and reset, even if only for 10 minutes. A short break can make a big difference in your mental health during Thanksgiving.
You can make stepping away easier if you have a plan in mind. Think about what empty rooms are available. Bring any tools that can help you relax, such as essential oils, noise-canceling headphones, or running shoes.
Meditation can also help you lower your heart rate and feel calmer. Consider using free tools, such as the Headspace meditation playlist on Spotify.
Don’t Aim for Perfection
There is a lot of pressure to make Thanksgiving and other holidays picture perfect. However, sometimes your own expectations can cast a shadow on a perfectly good day.
It’s not the end of the world if the stuffing is burned or if the pies are store-bought. Don’t stress over the little details, because what seems like a big deal to you may not be a big deal to anyone else.
Give yourself leeway to make mistakes and accept that bumps in the road are a part of life. Shifting your perspective and accepting that perfection isn’t attainable can help relieve the pressure you feel around Thanksgiving.
Focus on What’s in Your Control
With kids running around and the kitchen in full swing, Thanksgiving can be pretty chaotic. Remember that not everything will go to plan!
Instead of focusing on things outside of your control – like your cousin bringing up his political views at the dinner table or your mom saying the turkey is dry – focus on what’s in your control.
You can always control your reaction and how you respond to certain situations. Try taking deep breaths when you feel stressed or overwhelmed and taking a pause before responding to triggering situations. It’s also okay to step away from certain situations to prevent them from escalating.
Don’t be Afraid to Reach Out for Help
Choosing to approach Thanksgiving on your own terms is a brave and courageous choice. But it’s not always one that’s easy to make.
If you need support this Thanksgiving, give one of our licensed and professional counselors a call. They can help you protect your mental health during Thanksgiving and navigate any feelings of guilt or shame that arise when doing so.
We have convenient locations in the Georgetown and Liberty Hill area, so give us a call today. We can’t wait to help you.
On Your Side,
Jenna
