Thanksgiving is approaching, a time to spend time with loved ones, express gratitude, and savor delectable feasts. Amidst the hustle of planning feasts, traveling, and hosting, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and forget to take care of ourselves. This holiday season, there’s one simple but incredibly impactful habit you can adopt: taking regular breaks for fresh air and movement.

_{Image Credit: Monkey Business Images}

Whether you’re roasting a turkey, enjoying football games, or catching up with family, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air and a quick stretch or walk may revitalize your body and mind in unexpected ways. Let’s explore why these moments of respite are so vital during the holidays—and how they can make your Thanksgiving even more meaningful.

A Reset for the Mind

Thanksgiving can be a happy time, but it also has its share of hassles, such as last-minute errands, crowded parties, and meal preparation. Getting some fresh air outside allows your mind to recharge. Exposure to natural light and plants has been shown to increase mood, and attention, and reduce stress.
Spending even a little time outside can change your viewpoint. Allow the sights and sounds of nature to soothe your thoughts while you enjoy the cool autumn breeze on your skin and the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. You can feel renewed and more present when you return to your celebrations after these peaceful moments.

Rekindle Energy and Combat Fatigue

Thanksgiving brings a plethora of filling, fatty meals (hello, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes!) that might make you feel lethargic. Your body could need movement more than you think if you combine that with spending much time in the kitchen or at the dinner table.
A quick stroll, even if it’s just to the backyard or around the block, improves circulation, increases vitality, and helps combat post-meal weariness. Movement is a great addition to your Thanksgiving Day routine because it helps control blood sugar levels after a large dinner.

Reconnect with Loved Ones

Breaks can be an opportunity to interact with others as well as to take care of oneself. Invite a loved one to accompany you outside for a brief walk and conversation, or suggest a group walk after Thanksgiving dinner. Away from the diner’s cacophony, these communal times offer an organic environment for deep discussions.
Going outside can also be an opportunity for families with children to release pent-up energy. To enjoy the season together, do a simple scavenger hunt, play a fast game of catch, or rake up a pile of leaves to jump into.

Support Your Physical Health

Long periods of sitting are a common part of Thanksgiving customs, whether you’re catching up with family on the couch, binge-watching sports games, or watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even if it’s comfortable and fun, prolonged sitting might make you feel sluggish and rigid.
Including mild exercise in your daily routine, such as walking, stretching, or even a quick jog, helps to improve posture, release tense muscles, and improve your physical health. Inhaling fresh air while spending time outside also has the added benefit of promoting calmness and regulating your nervous system.

Gratitude in the Great Outdoors

Thanksgiving is fundamentally a time for introspection and thankfulness. Stepping outside and enjoying the beauty of the season has a deeply calming effect. Nature has a way of reminding us of the small pleasures in life, whether it’s through the crispness of the air, the golden hues of the autumn leaves, or the sound of birds soaring overhead.
Taking a moment to breathe might turn into a deliberate act of thankfulness. Take advantage of these times to stop, take a deep breath, and consider your blessings, whether they be the company of loved ones, the food on the table, or the splendor of nature.

Practical Tips for Thanksgiving Breaks

• Set a Timer: Remind yourself to take little breaks throughout the day by using your phone or smartwatch.
• Involve Others: Establish outdoor breaks as a family ritual, such as a friendly game of touch football or a stroll after dinner.
• Dress for the Weather: Wear layers if it’s going to be cold so you can spend time outside in comfort.
• Keep It Simple: You don’t need to create complicated plans; even a quick 5- to 10-minute break outside might have an impact.
• Be Mindful: Use these times to concentrate on your breathing, your environment, and the happiness that comes from being in the moment.

Give yourself the gift of balance this Thanksgiving. During the celebrations, keep in mind that getting outside for some fresh air and exercise is more than simply a respite; it’s a method to rejuvenate your body, soothe your mind, and enjoy the present. In addition to making your vacation more enjoyable, these tiny, deliberate self-care activities can help you be your best self around the people and customs you value most.
Put on your walking shoes, take a deep breath, and allow the fresh air to remind you of the richness that surrounds you on Thanksgiving. Cheers to Thanksgiving!