Thanksgiving Stress? How to Stay Grounded This Holiday

Gratitude Doesn’t Cancel Stress: How to Stay Grounded This Holiday

Introduction
Thanksgiving: a time for gratitude, family, and…stress. Even if you love the turkey, the decorations, and all the mashed potatoes you’ll inevitably overeat, the holidays can be stressful — especially for women who tend to carry the invisible load of family planning, emotional labor, and social obligations. You might feel pulled in a million directions, trying to make everyone happy while keeping yourself from melting down in the kitchen. The good news? You don’t have to pretend everything is perfect to enjoy the day. With some grounding strategies and a little self-compassion, you can navigate Thanksgiving without losing your mind.

Why the Holidays Can Be So Stressful
For many women, Thanksgiving isn’t just about cooking a meal. It’s about schedules, family dynamics, travel, and managing emotions. Some common stressors include:

• Coordinating family gatherings, meal prep, and shopping.

• Emotional triggers from extended family interactions.

• Pressure to host or “perform” the perfect holiday.

• Feeling guilty if you need time for yourself.

Even with gratitude and good intentions, the nervous system doesn’t automatically relax just because it’s a holiday. Stress can sneak into your shoulders, jaw, or gut, sometimes unnoticed until you snap at someone or feel completely drained.

Grounding Practices for Thanksgiving

Here are a few ways to calm your nervous system and stay present, even amidst chaos:

1. Mindful Breathing
Before heading to the table or greeting family, take 2–3 slow, deep breaths. Focus on filling your belly, not just your chest. Even one minute can signal safety to your nervous system.

2. Body Check-Ins
Notice where tension lives in your body. Shoulders, jaw, or stomach are common stress spots. Take a moment to release them gently — roll your shoulders, unclench your jaw, or place your hand on your belly and breathe.

3. Set Intentions, Not Expectations
Rather than trying to control everyone and everything, focus on your own mindset. Decide on one intention: “I will stay present,” or “I will notice moments of joy.” Let that guide your actions instead of perfectionism.

4. Micro Breaks
Step outside for a few minutes, do a short grounding exercise, or even just refill your water. Small pauses throughout the day help your nervous system reset.

5. Practice Gratitude Without Pressure
You don’t have to feel grateful for everything or perform gratitude perfectly. Try a silent acknowledgment of one thing you appreciate, whether it’s a sunny day, a warm cup of coffee, or a child’s laugh.

When to Ask for Help
If holiday stress triggers persistent anxiety or irritability, that’s a sign your nervous system might need extra support. Don’t forget it’s okay to switch it up. Order the whole meal pre-made, skip it altogether, or head off on a cruise.

If all else fails, therapy, trauma-informed practices like EMDR or Brainspotting, and yoga therapy can help you navigate stress with more ease — not just during Thanksgiving, but year-round.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a battle for your sanity. You can set boundaries, take micro-breaks, and honor your nervous system while still enjoying family time. If you find that holiday stress or anxiety feels unmanageable, I work with women to release chronic tension, calm the nervous system, and move from survival to balance — in-person in Connecticut or online. Schedule a consultation here.