As we begin our holiday planning and preparation here are a few ways to help you celebrate Thanksgiving with your mind, body and soul:
- Take a moment to reflect. Giving ourselves time to process events, emotions, and experiences can help create greater understanding.
- Hug someone (safely, with a mask if necessary). It can be even be yourself. Hugging yourself is actually a validated and powerful self-compassion exercise to add to your regular routine.
- Acknowledge one thing that’s going well for you right now in this moment
- Negative energy and emotions are contagious. Spread positivity instead.
- Kick it up a notch. Adding a little spice like pepper or cayenne can help add flavor and nutrients without calories.
- Sing. In your shower, in your car, with your family, or your friends. It can do wonders for your mood and mental health. Music is medicine.
- Go for a walk in the fresh air. It can help you digest, burns a few extra calories, and might be give you a moment for yourself, or invite the whole family to join you.
- Inspiration boards can help inspire others and improve your own motivation and mood.
- Victory dance. Celebrate small wins no matter what they are.
- Ingredients. Shop consciously and locally when creating your turkey day feast.
- Nice! Just do it.
- Grace. It’s not just for the food. Practicing grace for yourself and for others allows you to pause and reflect. It helps you to be present in the moment and more mindful of your actions and interactions.
Hillary Landry is a Hartford HealthCare Well-Being Manager.
