With stress already at an all-time high in our world, the last thing we need is a stress-infused Thanksgiving. In order to help you and your loved ones enjoy a low-stress celebration, our Boyd pain management medical team put together a couple of Thanksgiving tips and tricks. We hope you find them as helpful as we did!
Make a List
We know it sounds ridiculously simple, but a list can be a lifesaver. And we’re not just talking about the grocery list. Make a list of every single to-do that’s weighing on your mind for the Thanksgiving week. Be sure to include items that you may forget or that require extra steps. For example, a good Thanksgiving prep list will include the following:
If you are hosting:
- A reminder to take the turkey out to thaw (plan on 24 hours for every 4 pounds)
- Who is attending and what dish they’re bringing to pass
- House cleaning to-do’s
- Thanksgiving-specific on-food items to pull out (I.E. Tablecloth, napkins, chinaware, centerpiece, etc.)
- Activities for downtime (Set out a game of chess or deck of cards for guests to entertain themselves)
If you are traveling:
- Itinerary
- Travel essentials (ID, ticket/email confirmation, correct size carry-on)
- Car rental secured or pick up person identified
- Lodging reservation information
- Your favorite pillow
- If your travel plans require a Covid vaccine or recent negative Covid test, call YFM to see about scheduling that. We currently have Boyd doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Benbrook, Bedford and Flower Mound) who would be happy to help!
The more items you put on the list, the less you will worry about forgetting. If it needs to be done, bought, cleaned or cooked, write it down.
Shop Online
Even just the thought of a trip to the grocery store during a busy holiday season can cause some of us to break out into a sweat. We get it – the crowds and long check-out lines are not our favorite, either. Save yourself the stress (and cut back on impulse buying) by shopping online.
Options like curbside pick-up and grocery delivery can also help take away the stress associated with a trip to the grocery store. If you’ve never used these services before, you may even be eligible for a “first time free” coupon. Be sure to read the fine print – some grocery chains require a minimum purchase dollar amount to qualify.
Build in Margin
Margin in life – just like the margin on a piece of paper – leaves room for circumstances to “breathe” a little bit. When there is no margin on a page of a book, the words become hard to focus on. When there is no margin in a day, small tasks become overwhelming.
Try using some of these tips to build some margin into your Thanksgiving celebration:
- Pre-cook any menu items that will freeze/reheat well
- Set the table ahead of time
- Identify the time you want to eat your main meal at and work backwards from that time, being sure to incorporate room for rest and errors
- If you are traveling, leave 20-30 earlier than you actually need to
Have Fun!
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the stress of planning a Thanksgiving get-together. However, the whole purpose of this holiday is to enjoy the people, places and things that we are blessed with. Don’t forget to take a moment to breathe and practice gratitude. Studies show that the process of being grateful actually changes your brain.
Try incorporating some fun in your day to help with facilitating a grateful mindset.
- Take a break from the kitchen for a 5-minute chat with a beloved friend or family member
- Text a loved one who can’t be there to celebrate with you
- Snuggle a little one
- Have each person name one thing they are thankful for as you are all enjoying your meal together
- Take a walk together in between dinner and dessert
Boyd Pain Management
If you are struggling with a chronic condition, we can help. But that’s not all we do – we’ve got services that range from family well checks to geriatric medicine and everything in between. At Your Family Medical, we strive to be a part of what makes your Family health a priority. Call today to schedule an appointment!
