Staying on Top of Your Mental Wellness During Thanksgiving
- Nov 28, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Navigating Thanksgiving with confidence is possible when you understand the common stressors and have a plan to address them. We'll show you how to set realistic expectations and create healthy boundaries, so you can enjoy the holiday without feeling overwhelmed.
How can I manage stress and anxiety during Thanksgiving?
You can manage stress by setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care, and establishing healthy boundaries with family. Focusing on gratitude, being present in the moment, and not being afraid to say no to overwhelming obligations are all key to staying your mental wellness during thanksgiving.
You've got the basics down, but there's so much more to help you navigate this season with grace. Keep reading to discover practical, easy-to-implement strategies for a more peaceful and fulfilling holiday.
Navigating Mental Wellness During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is often seen as a time for gratitude, family, and delicious meals. But for many, it’s also a season that brings stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Whether it’s the pressure to host a perfect dinner, the difficulty of navigating complex family dynamics, or the toll of disrupted routines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year.
This blog is crafted as a quick read for those navigating the busy season, offering concise insights and helpful tips. Whether you're balancing work, family commitments, or holiday preparations, we aim to provide valuable information that seamlessly fits into your schedule, offering support and quick tips to guide you through the day’s events!
Thanksgiving can be a paradox; intended to cultivate gratitude and togetherness, it often presents challenges such as managing responsibilities, confronting personal triggers, and handling social obligations.
Stressors Commonly Linked to Thanksgiving
Family Conflicts
While being with family can be heartwarming, it may also bring unresolved tensions to light. Past disagreements or contrasting views can escalate quickly.
Financial Strain
From purchasing feast ingredients to traveling to see family or splurging on holiday sales, Thanksgiving can severely test your financial limits.
The pressure to orchestrate the perfect event, from the flawlessly cooked turkey to impeccable decorations, can become overwhelming.
Loneliness
For some, Thanksgiving accentuates feelings of isolation if they are unable to celebrate with loved ones or lack a support network.
Acknowledging these stressors is vital for managing them effectively. Let’s delve into practical strategies for preserving mental wellness during Thanksgiving.
Strategies for Staying Your Mental Wellness During Thanksgiving
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Thanksgiving need not be a picture-perfect holiday with an Instagram-ready feast. Perfectionism is a significant stress contributor, so refocus on what truly matters—the moments shared, not the event’s flawlessness.
Focus on What Truly Matters
Identify what makes Thanksgiving meaningful to you. Is it reconnecting with old friends or savoring your favorite comfort food? Direct your energy toward these priorities.
Communicate Openly
If you’re hosting, be clear about your plans and what others should expect. Setting boundaries and sharing responsibilities can reduce stress.
Embrace Gratitude Within Your Means
Sometimes, simplifying celebrations and being thankful for what you can do is more than enough.
Thanksgiving can pull your focus outward, but prioritizing your own mental health is key to navigating the holiday effectively. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Maintain your usual sleep, exercise, and mental well-being habits as closely as possible, even if things get chaotic.
Take Breaks
If you’re feeling drained, excuse yourself for a few minutes of solitude. Use this time to meditate, take a short walk, or practice deep breathing.
While a glass of wine at dinner might seem relaxing, overindulging can exacerbate stress and anxiety.
Say No When Needed
Your energy is finite. Don’t hesitate to say no to extra obligations or events that feel overwhelming.
3. Build Healthy Boundaries Within Family Dynamics
Spending the holidays with family can stir up old dynamics, making it one of the most challenging aspects of Thanksgiving. Knowing when to set and enforce boundaries can make all the difference.
Identify Your Triggers
Be aware of behaviors or conversations that make you uncomfortable, and plan how you’ll handle them in advance.
Stay Calm and Direct
Use “I” statements when setting boundaries. For example, “I’m not comfortable discussing this topic right now.”
Limit Exposure if Necessary
If interacting with certain relatives is toxic, it’s okay to limit your time around them or find moments to recharge away from the group.
4. Prioritize
At its core, Thanksgiving can be about gratitude—and shifting your focus to the positives can help combat stress.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Each morning leading up to Thanksgiving, write down 3 things you’re thankful for.
Participate in Mindful Gratitude Activities
At the dinner table, encourage everyone to share something they’re grateful for. This simple act can shift the focus from stress to appreciation.
Be Present
Make an effort to savor the small moments, whether it’s the smell of a pie fresh out of the oven, a warm hug from a relative, or a heartfelt conversation.
5. Create a Sense of Community
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to look traditional for it to be meaningful. If you don’t have family nearby or find traditional gatherings challenging, create a sense of community in other ways.
Host a Friendsgiving
Celebrate with friends who might also be away from family or looking for a low-pressure environment.
Volunteer
Spending the day helping others—whether at a soup kitchen or community event—can provide a sense of purpose and connection.
Connect Virtually
If you can’t be with family physically, schedule a call or video chat and share the day digitally.
6. Manage Loneliness Proactively
If spending the holiday alone feels inevitable, plan to make it special while caring for your mental health.
Treat Yourself
Order a special meal, binge-watch your favorite series, or use the day to pamper yourself.
Get Outside
Nature has a soothing effect on the mind. Go for a hike or visit a local outdoor event.
Join Events
Check out community boards or group pages for open-invite events happening near you.
Take Back Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can feel fulfilling, not draining. By implementing these strategies, you can celebrate in a way that prioritizes your mental wellness and aligns with your values. Whether that means simplifying plans, setting healthy boundaries, or redefining tradition altogether, what matters most is protecting your peace.
And remember—you’re not alone on this self-care journey. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support or community resources.
Here’s to celebrating joyfully, mindfully, and (above all) with mental wellness at the forefront.
Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I handle difficult family conversations during Thanksgiving?
Identify your triggers beforehand and plan how you'll respond. Use "I" statements, such as "I'm not comfortable discussing this right now," to set and enforce boundaries calmly and directly.
• What are some ways to practice self-care on Thanksgiving?
You can practice self-care by sticking to your normal routine, taking short breaks when you feel overwhelmed, limiting alcohol, and not being afraid to say no to extra obligations.
• What if I feel lonely on Thanksgiving?
If you're feeling lonely, you can create a sense of community by hosting a Friendsgiving, volunteering, or connecting with family and friends virtually. You can also treat yourself to a special meal or get outside for a walk.
• How can I avoid perfectionism when hosting Thanksgiving dinner?
To avoid perfectionism, set realistic expectations for the day. Remember that the holiday is about shared moments, not a flawless, Instagram-perfect event. Communicate openly with guests and ask for help to share responsibilities.
• How can I use gratitude to help with holiday stress?
You can use gratitude to combat stress by keeping a gratitude journal, encouraging people at the dinner table to share what they are thankful for, and making an effort to be present and savor the small moments of the day.
For a Thanksgiving that truly nurtures your mental well-being, we encourage you to take the next step with us at Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center. We understand the challenges you may face during the holiday season, from managing family dynamics to overcoming feelings of loneliness. Our team is here to support you in navigating these complexities and building resilience. We are committed to helping you find peace and joy, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime. If you or a loved one needs support, please call us at (435) 222-5225 to begin your journey toward a healthier and happier you.
 |  |  |
About The Author
Zachary Wise is a Recovery Specialist at Chateau Health and Wellness
Where he helps individuals navigate the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery. With firsthand experience overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Zach combines over 8 years of professional expertise with personal insight to support lasting healing.
Since 2017, Zach has played a pivotal role at Chateau, working in case management, staff training, and program development.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.