Thanksgiving Tips for Simple Living

What Can Thanksgiving Teach You About Simple Living 

With the Thanksgiving holiday here, many couples with young children often struggle.  Has the combination of your daily routines of family life, work and your upcoming holidays got you stressed.  What can the Thanksgiving holiday and simple living teach you?  In this blog let's talk about what like what that could do for your health and relationships.

Try these tips for enjoying simple pleasures and doing more with less, during the holidays.

Bonding with Family

The holidays can be stressful, but it can also strengthen your connections. Appreciate your loved ones and treat them with kindness and respect.  

Try these techniques: 

1. Share more. Some of the most rewarding conversations you’ll have with your partner and your young children happen naturally when you’re doing things together. Give them more of your targeted attention and time.  
   
   
2. Share responsibilities. Chores allow children to contribute to family life and prepare them for adulthood. Build their self-esteem by putting them in charge of an age appropriate task.  Maybe they can help with preparing your Thanksgiving feast of family favorite recipes.
   
   
3. Resolve conflicts. You’re bound to disagree sometimes. Agree on roles and responsibilities and be willing to compromise.  Slow down and just listen.  You both have something important to offer.
   
   
4. Have fun. Enjoy each other’s company. Play board games and do crafts. Find a hobby you can work on together or at least in the same room.

Staying Fit

Some news sources say that Americans are exercising less and gaining weight. Others say good nutrition and working out are on the rise. Whichever description fits you is really up to you.

You can make wholesome choices with these strategies: 

1. Eat healthy. Cooking at home gives you more control over ingredients and portion sizes. Stock your kitchen with whole foods. Plan your menus and limit snacking.  Yes, you can have a cheat day on Thanksgiving!
   
   
2. Head outdoors. Green spaces lift your spirits and make working out seem less effortful. Go for a run or play catch in your backyard. Research nearby parks and trails where your family can move around and keep a safe distance.
   
   
3. Design a home gym. Set aside a space for cardio and strength training. You can do body weight exercises if you have minimal equipment.
   
   
4. Practice self-care. Safeguard your physical and mental wellbeing. Prioritize sleep, physical activity, and nutrition. Think positive and repeat comforting affirmations. 

Finding Your Purpose 

Dealing with any hardship can be an opportunity to build character. Use your extra free time to create a more meaningful life.

Consider these ideas:

1. Meditate and pray. Invest in your spiritual development. Read inspirational texts. Browse online for videos and podcasts that many faith communities are offering. Start a daily meditation practice.  One of my favorites is headspace.com.
   
   
2. Help others. Shifting your attention to others can help you to keep your own troubles in perspective.  Ask your favorite charity about how to volunteer online.  See if your elderly neighbors need groceries or an occasional phone call.
   
   
3. Continue learning. Make a list of subjects you want to explore for your personal enrichment or career advancement.  Read books and take courses online.  See what your local library has to offer on their website or through curbside services.
   
   
4. Limit screen time. Resist the temptation to binge watch TV shows and movies.  Save your time and energy for activities with a greater pay off. 

You’re probably eager to spend time with your kids and extended family this Thanksgiving and/or share a meal with friends. Simple living makes you happier and healthier as you practice the tips above.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,

❤️ Lori