How I Survive and Thrive Through Thanksgiving Week

Can you believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving? It’s feeling very real in our house. The turkey brine has been prepared, I’ve begun collecting foliage for our centerpieces, and I’ve even started hand-writing place cards and individual menus. (What can I say? I love to host.)

While there truly is nothing I enjoy more than having my loved ones around my dinner table, that doesn’t mean I’m immune to the stress that comes with it. After all, there’s always a dish that goes into the oven too late, an unanticipated extra guest to make space for, or a work call that throws your schedule out of whack. But since I’ve hosted a few times now, I’ve been working on my ability to stay calm and to enjoy the process. Feeling familiar? Here are my tips to stay sane – and even joyful – when things get crazy.

Take a walk.

Is there anything movement can’t fix? The moment I’m getting overwhelmed with my to-do- list or I’m feeling stressed by a situation, I know it’s time to move. In regular times, I’d book into a class or jump on my bike. But during this week, when time is at a premium, I know I’ll get the most out of movement in fresh air. So, I lace up my shoes, pop in a playlist and head out the door. Even 20 minutes outside has the power to shift my headspace and leaves me feeling better equipped to face whatever lies ahead.

Embrace a meditation practice.

They say that if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. And for me, preparation goes far beyond planning my menu and setting the table. It’s about prepping my headspace so I’m embracing the tasks with gratitude and patience rather than stress. I have a longstanding meditation practice, but 10 minutes of quiet is all it takes. A guided meditation on the Peloton app, journaling or simply sipping a cup of tea in silence. Lean into whatever works best for you and reap the rewards when the stress inevitably hits.

Indulge in something for you.

If you’re hosting, you’re pouring energy, time and love into the people in your life. So why not offer it up to yourself too? Slip into the bath with a good book after a day on your feet, buy yourself an indulgent cup of coffee when you’re out shopping for ingredients, or even duck in for a last-minute manicure. Whatever it is that makes you feel a little special, I say, go for it!

Above all, enjoy it.

In times like these – when there is so much turmoil taking place across the world – I feel it’s more important than ever to express gratitude and to reflect on how lucky I am. Much how we like to say that we “get to” rather than we “have to” workout, hosting is the same. I’ll never take for granted how lucky I am to be able to come together with loved ones, safely and happily. Which, funnily enough, is what Thanksgiving is truly all about. So even if the pies fail and the table is a little squished, what a privilege and a joy it is to have that opportunity.

I wanted to share my Thanksgiving dinner playlist again for anyone who may have missed it. It definitely brings the good vibes.