By: Molly Majors
Not only should you use the upcoming break to rekindle with family and friends, but also take the time to work on yourself. Browse through the following list of self-care ideas to improve your mental and physical health this Thanksgiving:
Mental Health
Journaling
Journaling is a great form of self-reflection and way to de-stress. If you’ve yet to hop on the journaling trend, now is the time. Purchase a new notebook or decorate the cover of an old one, so you feel inspired to write. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- What am I most proud of?
- What drains me? What fulfills me?
- What is the quality you admire most about yourself?
- What do I need to forgive myself for?
Gratitude Lists
Gratitude lists are another form of journaling. Begin or end your day by writing down everything you are grateful for in that moment. Doing so reminds yourself of all the positive things and people you have in your life.
Gratitude journaling can be done at night, but is often done in the morning to set positive intentions for the day.
Baking/Cooking
Another great form of self-improvement is learning to bake or cook. The TikTok account Simple Food 4 U has some super easy and delicious recipes that are easy to follow.
If you’re not on TikTok, Claire Saffitz and Halle Burns share awesome cooking and baking videos on Youtube. (They’re really funny too!)
Read a Book
Sounds cliché, but take this time to pick up a new book or start an old one you’ve had lying around.
Right now, Barnes and Noble has a “blind date with a book” where they cover a bunch of popular books in plain paper and write only a few hints about the plot on the cover. You only have an idea of what book you’re purchasing- it could be anything!
Listen to a Podcast
There are some really great podcasts surrounding self-improvement and self-care. Throw on an episode while you’re driving or going for a walk. Here are a few good ones:
Learn a New Craft or Skill
Use the break to pick up a new hobby or skill.
Can’t decide? Youtube is a great place to find ideas and tutorials. The Sorry Girls and Lone Fox are fantastic DIY channels and should give you some ideas on your next project.
Physical Health
Workout
Getting your heart-rate up is good for your physical and mental health. Not everyone has access to a gym, so here is a Beginner No Equipment Workout you can try from the comfort of your own home.
Go for a Walk
Break is the perfect time to start a habit of going on daily walks. Throw on your favorite playlist (here is a good one) and just start walking. It doesn’t have to be fast paced by any means, just a way to clear your mind.
All Trails is an awesome website to find local trails and hiking paths in your area.
Meditate or Practice Yoga
When you think of self-care, meditation and yoga most likely come to mind first.
If you’ve yet to try either, Youtube is your place. Yoga With Adriene has tons of beginner mediation and yoga videos that are easy to follow along.
Eat Clean
Eating healthy can be extremely difficult around the holidays. Here are a few cleaner Thanksgiving side recipes you could make and bring to the table.
Make sure to spend quality time with relatives, but more importantly time with yourself this Thanksgiving break.
If you are feeling a bit of stress with the end of the semester approaching, last week’s article “5 Ways to Reduce Stress in College” has some great coping tips.
