The official kick-off to the holiday season can bring a lot of extra stress, but it doesn’t have to. Below are some tips to help lower your stress and make this Thanksgiving a holiday event you will want to remember.
Make a list. Take a few minutes now to write down everything you will need to do for that day. Check the items off on the list as you complete them. This will not only help keep you on track, but give you a feeling of accomplishment as you cross them off the list.
Delegate. Ask family members to pitch in to clean the house, run errands, or take care of some of the other details you would normally do.
The big meal. Make this year’s dinner a potluck and let each guest bring a dish oftheir own, or ask guests if they would mind making a certain dish on the menu for your traditional meal.
Family. Blood may be thicker than water, but we all have family members who manage to get under our skin. If avoiding the person is not a possibility, try changing the subject orexcuse yourself from the room. They have discovered what buttons to push and are trying to make you feel bad to make themselves feel better. Don’t fall for their old tricks.
Lower expectations. Try to remember that ‘‘perfect” rarely happens. Meals burn, people spill things and the unexpected happens.
Schedule down-time. Make a spa appointment or go to lunch with a friend to help keep you from getting so frazzled.
Start early. Don’t wait until the last moment to try to do everything. Many things on your list can probably be done ahead of time. Do as much as you can as early as you can.
Check your camera batteries. Don’t let dead batteries take away precious memories. Keep new batteries on hand and make sure reusable batteries are completely chargedbefore needed.
Spend time entertaining. Don’t stay hidden away in the kitchen while the rest of the family is out in the living room. Put food items away and leave the dishes to soak. Memories won’t happen unless you make them.
Breathe. You may at some point still feel your stress level building. Take a moment to sit quietly and concentrate on nothing but your breathing. Remind yourself of the true meaning of Thanksgiving and everything you have to be thankful for. Repeat as needed.
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