2020 has been a year full of ups and downs and a lot of uncertainty. No matter how you’re spending Thanksgiving this year, take some time to reflect on your health and what you are grateful for. Whether you’ve been using this time to make healthy lifestyle changes or you’ve struggled with keeping good health habits, it’s important to appreciate yourself. Don’t let self-sabotage get in the way of enjoying your Thanksgiving!
The best way to give thanks for your health is to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Check out the tips below to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness.
5 Ways to Give Thanks for Your Health
Take Time to Rest
The holiday hustle and bustle has started and it’s easy to get swept away in. No matter what activities you’ve got on the agenda, make sure you also take time to rest and unplug. It’s good for your body and good for your mental health.
Let Yourself Enjoy the Food You Love
You might be tempted to label some foods this season as “off-limits,” but it also might make you miserable. You should be able to enjoy the spirit of the holidays and eat the foods you love in moderation. Do you love pumpkin pie, but don’t want the extra calories to derail you? Have a decent sliver with sugar-free whipped cream and enjoy every bite.
Invest in Yourself
If there’s something you want to buy that will make you happier and/or healthier, within reason, go for it. Maybe it’s a new fitness watch or enrollment with a local gym or neighborhood fitness group. Maybe it’s an instant pot or air fryer. Treat your health as an investment and don’t feel guilty for getting yourself something you’ll benefit from.
Move Your Body – and Don’t Overthink it
Our bodies are meant to move, and movement makes us feel better physically and mentally. Get as much physical activity in as you can without thinking you have to spend it all at the gym or pounding a treadmill. Keep it simple. Go for a family bike ride, take a stroll around the neighborhood, or take your dog to a nearby park that all of you will enjoy.
Make a Gratitude List
It’s scientifically proven that giving thanks makes us happier. This Thanksgiving, make a gratitude list and write down all the things in your life that you are thankful for. The items on your list can range from being able to spend more time at home connecting with your family to picking up a new hobby or accomplishing one of your health goals.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey
