Today marks Thanksgiving in the United States. The day for many means gathering with friends or family or both to celebrate all for which we are grateful. And in the United States, we have so much for which to be grateful. How will you give thanks today? How will you practice gratitude today?

Today can bring for many a mix of emotions. Many of us will find ourselves feeling excited to be able to spend time with those we love and care for. Yet, some may be dreading the holiday as it can bring feelings of sadness as we remember those we have lost. Try to remember that it may feel good to give thanks for the memories you have of your lost loved one.

For those struggling with eating disorders, the day can bring on feelings of food anxiety. For those who are feeling anxious about food, it may be helpful to remember and give thanks for wherever you may be in your recovery.

It may also be helpful to remember that it is okay to give thanks even for those relatives we find challenging because of their political beliefs or leanings or because of other reasons. We all have at least one relative with whom we disagree. Try to remember that it is okay to give thanks for the ability to try to see both sides in any argument. Try to remember that it is okay to give thanks for the thought that we all are entitled to our own opinions.

Thanksgiving can be a time to practice gratitude for all we have in our lives, for love, for friendship, for family, for our jobs if we have one, for the ability to laugh. How will you practice gratitude today? For some it may be a challenge to figure out how to practice gratitude during this season. Here are some thoughts on doing so … https://ideas.ted.com/your-5-day-gratitude-challenge-from-ted/.

On some days, it may be challenging to find something for which to be grateful. Try to remember that you do not have to practice gratitude for just the big things in life; you can practice gratitude for even the smallest thing. Maybe you made bunch of green lights today on your way to Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe you started the day with a really good cup of coffee. Be thankful for that, and for the people who grew your coffee so that you could enjoy that. Maybe your hair turned out really good today. Maybe you heard from a friend you hadn’t heard from for a while. Be thankful for that.

There are so many things for which we can be thankful. How will you give thanks today? How can you practice gratitude? However you go about doing so, I wish you a day full of love and laughter.

It seems the holiday season is upon us. For many people, this can be a time to celebrate with family and friends and to remember those who may no longer be with us. For many people, this time can be one of nearly unbearable stress.

The holiday season can be one of great importance to many people. We may find ourselves trying to get together with those we love, with our friends and families, with those we have not seen in a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may find ourselves running from here to there and everywhere in between. We may find ourselves attending gatherings or hosting gatherings. All of this may lead to feelings of stress, anxiety and overwhelm. It always is important to remember to take time during this busy season to take care of ourselves, to take time to practice self-care and to rest when we need to.

It also may behoove you to remember that it is perfectly acceptable to say “No” to those things that no longer bring you joy. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday get-togethers, it is okay to decline an invitation and send your regards. If you find yourself feeling stressed out because you have 35 people coming over for Thanksgiving, it is acceptable to ask those guests to contribute a dish to the meal. You do not have to do everything for everyone all the time. It is okay for you to ask for help if you are feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed.

The holiday season can be a joyous time for many people while for others it can lead to feelings of anxiety. It always is good to practice self-care but perhaps even more important during this season. I have had several clients recently ask me what self-care is, what that term means. Practicing self-care means doing things for you that bring you pleasure and joy. Perhaps it means making time to read a favorite book or watch a holiday movie. Perhaps it means scheduling a massage, manicure or pedicure. Perhaps it means going for a walk or run or bike ride. Self-care can be anything that feels good to you that helps you manage feelings of stress, anxiety or overwhelm. What can you do during this holiday season to make yourself feel good? What can you do to take care of your own needs. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Remember that it is okay to take care of yourself so that you can better take care of those you love.

Managing stress and anxiety during the holiday season can mean for some remembering that nothing needs to be perfect. When we strive for perfection, we can feel constantly let down and disappointed with ourselves, with a situation. Remember that it is okay to accept that you have done your best; that is always good enough. No one can ask for more than your best. It always is good to remember that you are doing the best you can with what you have right now. It always is good to remember that you are worthy of love and belonging simply because you are human, not because your Christmas tree is decorated perfectly.

With the holiday season now upon us, remember that it is okay to say “No” to the things that no longer bring you joy. The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. Remember that it is acceptable to decline invitations, to cut back on your cooking or baking and ask for help. Doing things to manage your stress, anxiety and overwhelm can mean a more joyous holiday season not just for you but for those you love.

~ Karri Christiansen, MSW, LSW, CADC, CCTP