Thanksgiving Eve: A Time for Mental Wellness Preparation
As Thanksgiving Eve descends upon us, the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming holiday are palpable. For many, it's a day of last-minute grocery shopping, travel arrangements, and meal preparations. While the joy of Thanksgiving is undeniable, it's important to remember that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can sometimes take a toll on our mental health. As we gather our ingredients and make our travel plans, let's also prepare ourselves mentally for the Thanksgiving festivities ahead.
Reflect on Gratitude:
Before the whirlwind of Thanksgiving Day begins, take some time to reflect on the things you're grateful for. Gratitude can set a positive tone for the holiday and remind you of the meaningful aspects of your life.
Embrace Flexibility:
Thanksgiving rarely goes exactly as planned, and that's okay. Embrace the spontaneity of the day and be flexible with your expectations. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you least expect them.
Delegate and Share Responsibilities:
Hosting Thanksgiving can be a significant undertaking. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others or ask guests to contribute. Sharing responsibilities can relieve stress and create a sense of togetherness.
Prepare for Conversation:
Family gatherings can sometimes lead to challenging conversations. Prepare mentally for these situations by setting boundaries, practicing active listening, and choosing when to engage or disengage from discussions.
Take Breaks:
Throughout the day, find moments to step away and recharge. Whether it's a short walk, a few minutes of mindfulness, or simply a quiet moment alone, these breaks can help you maintain your mental well-being.
Avoid Overindulgence:
Delicious food is a cornerstone of Thanksgiving, but overindulgence can leave you feeling physically and mentally uncomfortable. Enjoy your favorite dishes in moderation to avoid postfeast regrets.
Connect with Loved Ones:
While Thanksgiving can be a hectic time, it's also an opportunity to connect with loved ones. Take moments to share stories, express gratitude, and strengthen your bonds with family and friends.
Express Appreciation:
Don't wait until the end of the day to express your appreciation for those around you. Taking time to acknowledge and thank your loved ones can deepen your connections and enhance the overall experience.
Be Mindful of Alcohol:
If alcohol is part of your Thanksgiving celebration, be mindful of its effects. Enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly, and remember that excessive drinking can impact your mood and well-being.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. It's okay if everything doesn't go perfectly, and it's okay to ask for help or take a step back if you need it. Self-compassion is a powerful tool for maintaining mental health.
Thanksgiving Eve is the perfect time to mentally prepare for the holiday ahead. By practicing gratitude, embracing flexibility, and taking steps to care for your mental wellbeing, you can ensure that Thanksgiving is a day filled with joy, love, and meaningful connections. As we gather around the table tomorrow, let's not only celebrate our blessings but also cherish the importance of nurturing our mental health during this festive season. Happy Thanksgiving!
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall wellbeing, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.