From Stuffed to Stressed: Bouncing Back After Thanksgiving in the Beehive State

Hey there, Utah! As the Thanksgiving leftovers dwindle and the holiday decorations start popping up faster than you can say "Black Friday," you might be feeling a bit... overwhelmed. Whether you're still recovering from family drama, dreading the upcoming holiday hustle, or just feeling the weight of all that pie, the post-Thanksgiving period can be a mental health minefield.

But don't worry, we've got your back. Let's talk about how to shake off the Turkey Day blues and gear up for the rest of the holiday season with your sanity intact.

10 Ways to Bounce Back After Thanksgiving

1. Get Moving Exercise can be a great mood-booster and stress-reliever.

Try this: Take advantage of Utah's natural playground. A hike in Millcreek Canyon or a quick ski session at Brighton can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.

1. Reset Your Eating Habits It's easy to let Thanksgiving kickstart a month of unhealthy eating.

Try this: Stock up on fresh, healthy foods at your local farmers market. The Winter Market at Rio Grande is a great option for local produce and goods.

1. Practice Gratitude (Beyond Thanksgiving) Keeping a gratitude practice going can help maintain a positive outlook.

Try this: Start each day by noting three things you're grateful for – big or small. Maybe it's the beautiful view of the Wasatch Range or your favorite coffee shop on Main Street.

1. Set Realistic Expectations The pressure to have a "perfect" holiday season can be overwhelming.

Try this: Make a list of what truly matters to you this holiday season. Focus on those priorities and let go of the rest.

1. Maintain Routines Don't let the holiday chaos completely derail your normal schedule.

Try this: Stick to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible. If you usually hit the gym in the mornings, keep it up – your body and mind will thank you.

1. Plan Something to Look Forward To Having future plans can provide a mental boost.

Try this: Book a fun winter activity, like ice skating at the Gallivan Center or seeing the lights at Temple Square. Having something on the calendar can lift your spirits.

1. Practice Self-Compassion Be kind to yourself, especially if family time was challenging.

Try this: If you're beating yourself up over something that happened during Thanksgiving, ask yourself, "Would I talk to a friend this way?" If not, try to reframe your self-talk.

1. Limit Social Media Constant exposure to others' highlight reels can bring you down.

Try this: Set specific times to check social media instead of mindlessly scrolling. Use that extra time to read a book from The King's English Bookshop or try a new hobby.

1. Connect with Friends Sometimes, friend-family can be the antidote to biological-family stress.

Try this: Organize a post-Thanksgiving friend gathering. Maybe a potluck with everyone's favorite non-Thanksgiving dishes or a group outing to a Utah Jazz game.

1. Seek Professional Support if Needed If you're really struggling, it's okay to ask for help.

Try this: Consider talking to a therapist. Many offer short-term support to help you navigate the holiday season.

Remember, it's normal to feel a bit off after the Thanksgiving whirlwind. Be patient with yourself as you transition back to your regular routine and gear up for the rest of the holiday season. With a little self-care and intention, you can shake off the Turkey Day blues and approach the coming weeks with renewed energy and positivity.

[Call to Action: Feeling overwhelmed after Thanksgiving or anxious about the upcoming holidays? Let's talk it through. Schedule a session and we'll work on strategies to help you navigate the season with more joy and less stress.]