From Stress to Success: Tips for a calm holiday season

Thanksgiving can be Stressful

Seriously. Of all the holidays, Thanksgiving is the one that compels complete strangers to call the office seeking stress relief therapy.

And I don’t blame them. Thanksgiving is a lot to navigate. Think about it.

• It involves the preparation of a complex meal, sometimes by people who hate cooking

• And then there's the semi-formal atmosphere of the gathering, where table manners and social etiquette are expected to be upheld.

• With relatives you don’t often see, or necessarily like

• And there’s no presents to distract you

That’s a lot of stressors all at once.

Given that I don't make emergency acupuncture house calls, I thought I'd share some tips to help you get through the day.

1) Remember to breathe. If you feel your tension rising, take a moment to do a few deep breaths and reset your nervous system.

2) Set realistic expectations. Toddlers may not want to sit still, not every side dish will come out perfect, and things may not go as planned, but it's okay. It doesn't have to look like a scene from a Hallmark movie.

3) Employ deflection techniques. If Uncle Billy starts a political rant, politely steer the conversation back to lighter topics, like the delicious food or funny family anecdotes.

4) Set Boundaries. If Uncle Billy still doesn't stop, it's okay to politely excuse yourself from the conversation or even leave the room for a while. Remember, you are not responsible for managing the emotions or behaviors of others. Your well-being is a priority.

5) Take breaks. This is one of my favorite tactics that I’ve used over the years. If you feel overwhelmed or need a moment to regroup, excuse yourself from the table and take a short break. Step outside for some fresh air, do some deep breathing exercises, or engage in a relaxing activity.

So, this Thanksgiving, armed with these strategies, embrace the chaos, savor the good moments, and remember—it's okay not to have a Hallmark-perfect holiday. After all, imperfections make the best stories. Cheers to a stress-free Thanksgiving!

P.S - If you need to decompress after the holiday, schedule an appointment. It’s calm and quiet, plus nobody can find you!