Thanksgiving, I'd have to say it's my favorite holiday. I think it's because it has nothing to do with gifting, dressing up, war, religion or any of the other fluffy stuff typically associated with holidays. Well, maybe a little with religion, or the freedom to believe what you want and how you want, that is why the pilgrims came here right? anyway, it's about giving Thanks. Simple & to the point. Blessings shared with everyone from the community to the neighbors, friends & family. To whatever, or should I say whomever, whichever God you choose to believe in, if you believe.
With the holiday season comes not only parties, feasting and various forms of merriment, but over-indulging, sadness and depression. Missing those no longer with us, feeling lonely away from home & loved ones, and I'm going to say just this once, FAT.
How can we help to combat these feelings? One way is to reach out to someone or some folks who don't have anyone to be with over the holidays. You have no idea how rich you'll feel and so will they. Adding just 1 more place setting at the table can work miracles.
For those away from home, have what we used to call, an orphan holiday meal. Invite everyone without their family nearby to a pot-luck. A group get-together is so much fun and everyone can contribute something.
As for the over-indulgence, don't save up your eating calories for the 1 big meal of the day. Eat your usual breakfast, lunch and snack meals throughout your day. That way you won't gorge yourself with all of the candy, cakes, chips & dips etc. before the meal, drink plenty of water along with the libations, and remember portion control. Have a little of everything, eat only until you're satisfied, not stuffed like the turkey.
Hmmmmm, the biggie, depression. This is the tough 1. But try to get together with friends if you can't get with family. Or...go volunteer at a place serving the homeless, even better! Get outside, being outside really does give you a lift in the spirit much like sweets. Really, I'm not kidding. 30 min. of sunshine, even just being outside can release some serotonin, if I remember right, giving you a much better internal feeling. Call someone you miss. Chances are, they miss you too and would love to hear from ya. Visit a neighbor who might be alone and you'll see them light up and so will you. Try to keep up with your regular workouts, endorphins released will continue make you happy and you'll be proud of yourself.
Be present, be thankful for what you do have. You have this wonderful gift of life. Enjoy it.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
With the holiday season comes not only parties, feasting and various forms of merriment, but over-indulging, sadness and depression. Missing those no longer with us, feeling lonely away from home & loved ones, and I'm going to say just this once, FAT.
How can we help to combat these feelings? One way is to reach out to someone or some folks who don't have anyone to be with over the holidays. You have no idea how rich you'll feel and so will they. Adding just 1 more place setting at the table can work miracles.
For those away from home, have what we used to call, an orphan holiday meal. Invite everyone without their family nearby to a pot-luck. A group get-together is so much fun and everyone can contribute something.
As for the over-indulgence, don't save up your eating calories for the 1 big meal of the day. Eat your usual breakfast, lunch and snack meals throughout your day. That way you won't gorge yourself with all of the candy, cakes, chips & dips etc. before the meal, drink plenty of water along with the libations, and remember portion control. Have a little of everything, eat only until you're satisfied, not stuffed like the turkey.
Hmmmmm, the biggie, depression. This is the tough 1. But try to get together with friends if you can't get with family. Or...go volunteer at a place serving the homeless, even better! Get outside, being outside really does give you a lift in the spirit much like sweets. Really, I'm not kidding. 30 min. of sunshine, even just being outside can release some serotonin, if I remember right, giving you a much better internal feeling. Call someone you miss. Chances are, they miss you too and would love to hear from ya. Visit a neighbor who might be alone and you'll see them light up and so will you. Try to keep up with your regular workouts, endorphins released will continue make you happy and you'll be proud of yourself.
Be present, be thankful for what you do have. You have this wonderful gift of life. Enjoy it.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
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