5 Tips for Navigating Thanksgiving
Like many holidays this time of year, thanksgiving revolves around food & alcohol. This can be activating for so many, especially those who struggle with food & body. Here are 5 quick tips to help make what might be a scary day, feel a bit more doable.
Tip #1: Self-care
Creating a consistent self-care routine now, such as breathing/stretching, walking, reading, listening to music, or playing a game, can be helpful in grounding on stressful days. Self care on the holiday may also look like: wearing clothing your comfortable in, nourishing your body throughout the day, or leaning into safe foods.
Tip #2: Support Plan
There very well might be triggering moments throughout the day, have a plan set in place ahead of time. If possible, having a go-to person to lean on either at the event or even on the phone if possible. You could try also making a list of potential triggers and writing a coping strategy or skill next to each one to have when you need.
Tip #3: Utilize Skills
Now is the time to use some of the tools in your coping skill toolbox. Reach for skills such as reframes, affirmations, sensory distraction techniques, breathing, tapping, or even out right removing yourself from the situation and taking some time to breath, talk with someone on the phone, or take a brief walk.
Tip #4: Boundaries
Navigating family conversations can be hard, it’s important to note that YOU know your body better than anyone & that you can be as open or closed off to your experience as you feel comfortable. When comments are made about food, simply respond something like: “I’m doing what feels good for my body right now, I hope you’re having a great time.”
Tip #5: Nourishing
PLEASE eat & hydrate before going to a holiday meal. Often times folks catch themselves in a ‘save up’ mentality and will fast all day before the meal. However, this can contribute to ‘overeating’, and feelings of guilt and shame that come with that. Eating prior to your event isn’t going to ruin the meal or change your body in a negative way.
