Thanksgiving is here, and we know that this time of year can feel overwhelming for many. We often forget this holiday’s true meaning and tense moments around the family table are not uncommon. Returning to our parents’ house and gathering with family members we haven’t seen in a while is a lot to process.
However, here at The Better Normal, we’re here to help by offering tools to take care of your mental health. That’s why we’ve put together 5 mental health tips to keep in mind this Thanksgiving Day.
Be Prepared
You know your family better than anyone. If you feel you need to spend this Thanksgiving with your family or friends, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that might arise. I know this may sound dramatic, but we all know how small comments can trigger bigger issues.
The noise can often be overwhelming. It happens to me a lot. Being surrounded by so many voices, opinions, and people can feel like too much. That’s why my advice is to plan your day ahead of time. If you’re prepared for the noise, make sure you’re in a place where you feel comfortable.
Here are some tips that help me get through this Thanksgiving:
- Avoid conversations about politics.
- Don’t go in with a negative mindset.
- Don’t take things personally.
- If you need a break, take a walk or change your environment for a bit.
Stay Balanced This Thanksgiving
Wine, turkey, pies—what could go wrong? Well, during the holidays, it’s important to stay balanced not just with food, but with our emotions as well. In general, no excess is good. Ever. Taking care of ourselves and staying healthy is essential. If you know your body and are aware of what doesn’t work well for you in excess, remember that your health comes first.
For example, I’m a vegetarian, and I know that I often need to bring my own food to gatherings. I know which foods fill me up, which I like best, and that it’s better for me to bring my own meals. I also have a sweet tooth, and if I overindulge, the next day is a struggle. So, I’m learning to listen to my body and practice self-control.
When it comes to emotions, yes, I know it’s hard to keep them balanced—especially in places where we feel vulnerable. However, meditating beforehand may help. Silence and introspection always help us calm down, think, and reflect. So, in the middle of all the noise, silence becomes our ally.
Reflect on Your Emotions
Being able to recognize our emotions and know how to manage them is not an easy task. However, reflecting on how we feel can be very enlightening. When we understand where an emotion comes from, we can work through it. To do this, it’s important to pay attention to our body: what do we feel? Where in the body do we feel it? In what way?
Once we recognize how we feel an emotion, we can anticipate it. We can even identify the people, words, or situations that trigger it. And from there, we can work on reducing the suffering it causes. Maybe it’s a certain comment from a family member, a stressful situation at work, or even a memory that resurfaces unexpectedly. Once we can pinpoint these triggers, we can take proactive steps to manage them before they overwhelm us. By understanding these emotional patterns, we can work on reducing the suffering they cause, whether by using calming techniques, taking a break, or seeking support when needed.
I know, it’s not an easy task. But don’t forget, you’ve got this! Self-awareness and emotional management are skills that take time to develop, but with patience and practice, we get better every day. As we head into this holiday season, it’s important to remember that this time is all about giving thanks. So… don’t forget to thank yourself. Recognize the work you’ve done to get here, and appreciate how far you’ve come in your emotional growth.
And remember, everyone may be struggling in their own way. We all carry our own battles, so try to be gentle with yourself and others. If things get tough, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you chose to be here right now—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. This moment, this day, this choice—you made it, and it’s yours. So make it count. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Make it worth it by showing up with kindness to both yourself and those around you.
It’s Ok Not to Feel Ok
Sometimes, we forget that it’s okay not to feel okay. In a society that constantly pressures us to be positive and productive, it can feel wrong to admit when we’re struggling. We’re often told to “just snap out of it” or to “look on the bright side,” which makes it difficult to accept our emotions as valid. But the truth is, everyone experiences sadness, stress, and disappointment at times—and that’s completely normal.
Acknowledging our emotions without judgment is the first step toward healing. It’s crucial to understand that feeling low or overwhelmed doesn’t make us weak or broken. It’s simply a part of being human. Embracing these feelings allows us to process them and move forward in a healthy way. When we allow ourselves to feel without shame, we create space for self-compassion and emotional growth.
Let’s talk about mental health and emotions. Instead of hiding or suppressing our struggles, we can embrace them as opportunities for growth. By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we build a society where it’s not only acceptable to feel bad, but it’s understood and validated. So, remember: it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes—and by acknowledging it, you’re already on the path to healing.
It’s Thanksgiving! Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for improving our mental and emotional well-being. Often, it’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have or what we wish were different in our lives. But practicing gratitude helps shift our focus to what we do have, fostering a positive mindset. It’s a simple yet profound way to remind ourselves of the good things in our lives, no matter how small they may seem.
One of the best ways to practice gratitude is by taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. This could be through journaling, meditation, or simply pausing to appreciate the present moment. When we make gratitude a habit, we train our brains to seek out the positive, which leads to increased feelings of joy, peace, and contentment. Even on tough days, finding one thing to be thankful for can help shift our perspective.
Gratitude also plays a vital role in building stronger connections with others. Expressing thanks to the people around us—whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a colleague—strengthens our relationships and fosters a sense of community. So this Thanksgiving, and beyond, let’s make an effort to practice gratitude in both our personal lives and our interactions with others. The simple act of being thankful can create ripples of positivity and help us navigate life with a greater sense of peace.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
