by Lori Lite
Holidays with family can mean an increase in chaos and stress. Having a Thanksgiving plan can reduce anxiety and elevate the joy factor allowing us to have the holiday we always dreamed of. G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L Thanksgiving Stress Tips.
G- Gratitude is the opposite of stress. It is difficult to feel stressed out when we are feeling gratitude.
R- Relax your expectations and let the day unfold. You might be surprised by the outcome.
A- Acceptance is the opposite of judgment. If we accept our family member for who they are and what they are capable of we can relax and enjoy ourselves.
T- Teens can be a part of Thanksgiving. Ask them what they would like to bring to the table. Let them bring it.
E- Empower children and let them help with age appropriate assignments. Putting the nuts out or making the centerpiece. Let them do it their way…not your way.
F– Focus on family for this day. Put all work and worries on the shelf.
U– Unplug the electronics for dinner so that everyone can be fully present.
L- Love is often overlooked when we are busy. Cook with love… Speak with love… Show your love and gratitude for your family on this Thanksgiving Day.
Indigo Dreams Relaxation CDs can add ambiance to your celebration.
Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite is a freelance blogger, social media strategist, parenting expert, and successful entrepreneur. Her line of books and CDs are designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, doctors, and yoga instructors. Lori’s award-winning books received national attention on Shark Tank and her sort after accessible tips have been featured in hundreds of publications to include: CNN Living, Real Simple Magazine, USA Today, Family Circle, Working Mother Magazine, and Web MD. For more information visit Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.
Great post! This is the reminder I needed “Gratitude is the opposite of stress. ” – LOVE it! Have a great Thanksgiving!
~ Ashley from The Motherboard (www.facebook.com/TheMotherboard)
What great advice Lori. Hope you have a fantastic thankgiving and that everyone joins in.
Hi Lori,
Such lovely thoughts for the holiday and great advice. I love the way you point out the very most important things that are so easily overlooked in the hustle of getting everything ready. I especially like your focus on empowering kids and teens and giving them a real role and opportunity to contribute.
Have a very wonderful Thanksgiving!
So glad you liked the article! Kids and teens get so much from contributing…..self-esteem, accountability, bonding, confidence, joy……….
Thank you for this post, I really needed it, as I will have a full house this Thanksgiving! I especially like the last part, cooking and speaking with love and showing gratitude…Have a blessed Thanksgiving!