Thanksgiving Edition: 5 Tips On How To Have A Stress Free Thanksgiving Cedar Hill, T

Are you concerned about the impact of the holiday season on your mental health?  A recent study has shown that several adults consider the holiday season, from November till New Year’s Day, the most stressful time of the year. Stress cannot be avoided however here are some ways to limit the stress during the thanksgiving holiday: 

•  Remember the reason for the season 

this may sound cliche but remembering to keep a heart of gratitude can change one’s perspective. Thanksgiving can be different for everyone, some have a huge family and some may be alone. It doesn’t matter the category, find time to identify something in your life that you’re grateful for. Acknowledge your feelings and write them down if you need to. 

•  Remove something from your “to-do list”

Thanksgiving involves a lot of cooking and you may be the best chef in your family. This can become overwhelming and extremely stressful. You can remove a dish or two and outsource instead or get some help from family members. You can delegate certain dishes to a few people and make sure you plan early so thanksgiving day isn’t as overwhelming,

•  Reduce travel anxiety 

People tend to travel far and wide for Thanksgiving; traveling can be stressful and make you a bit anxious. To minimize stress, ensure you pack days before the trip so you have everything you need. Have a travel checklist and check it off as you pack. You can also arrive at the airport a bit early. If it’s a road trip, you can make an awesome playlist to keep your spirits high.

•  Set healthy boundaries

Being with family can be awesome and it can also be overwhelming especially when certain conversations are brought up. You can limit this stress by excusing yourself to use the restroom or even taking a walk after your meal. If you’re able to, set appropriate boundaries by letting people know you’re not comfortable with a topic and you’d rather not discuss it. 

•  Engage in activities that support your mental health 

It’s important to engaging engaged in activities that help your mental health. Remember to rest, take walks, reduce time on social media, take your prescribed medications, and reach out to your therapist if need be. 

 If you or someone you know feels hopeless or down this holiday, please reach out to a psychiatrist, mental health nurse practitioner, or therapist in Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, Tx area, we offer both virtual and in-person appointments. Visit and contact us at https://www.lytepsych.com.