Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy fun times over great food. There is no need to rush out and drive for sales.
Digest while enjoying a football game, watching a classic movie or playing a game. Then, find great gifts to buy throughout the upcoming weeks.
It is counterintuitive that many folks rush from a heavy meal to a super shopping spree. Not only turkey but many foods contain tryptophan, which produces sleep-inducing hormones. Additionally, any carbohydrate-laden feast prompts relaxation as the body does its digestive work.
Hurrying out to shop after celebrating Thanksgiving is contrary to the holiday’s meaning for many reasons. Scientific research confirms that an attitude of Thanksgiving counteracts a mindset of materialism. When our attention is on gratitude, we are inclined to feel satisfied, not focused on what else to get.
Expressing gratitude biologically triggers a joyful feeling. This contentment negates cravings to get more. Yet, the weekend retail sales seek to override our natural inclination to kick back and enjoy what we have.
Thanksgiving is the day of each year on which we are called to reflect on the things we are grateful for. Our wants diminish when we bask in gratitude.
A popular truism reminds us that seeking material things does not lead to happiness. Psychologists confirm that constantly getting things only makes us want more. Any feeling of satisfaction that comes with scoring a deal is short-lived.
Admittedly, the sudden thrill of finding a good deal does cause a burst of dopamine. It wears off quickly, leaving us wanting to repeat the sensation.
Ironically, some folks are left with an empty feeling after a great Thanksgiving feast. Binge shopping results in empty pockets or even debt regret.
Instead of developing a shopping list, we might use Thanksgiving to form a “gratefulness” list. This process could have many benefits.
Science teaches us that expressing gratitude lowers physical and emotional stress. Our minds and bodies relax, thereby promoting better health.
Studies show that those who express appreciation reduce feelings of anger and resentment.
In the good old days, Mom taught, “You cannot have two conflicting feelings at the same time.”
Focusing on what is good drowns out irritations.
Those who express genuine gratitude sleep better. Maybe this is one reason for Thanksgiving after-meal drowsiness.
For greater well-being this Thanksgiving weekend, take the expression of gratefulness very seriously. Try to reflect and earnestly be sincerely thankful.
As an advent-type exercise, keep the spirit of Thanksgiving active throughout the holiday season. Upon awakening each day, add an item to a thankful list. Review the list daily while adding another thankful gem.
You might start your list with family, friends or pets. Depending on the weather, add morning light or refreshing rain. If you have a job, consider it something for which to be thankful. Whatever your state, give thanks for life.
Spiritual folks might offer a daily prayer of Thanksgiving. Others might meditate daily. Feel gratefulness deep within your heart.
Developing a habit of gratitude requires persistence. The more we offer thanks, the more we grow in gratitude and satisfaction.
On our great national holiday of Thanksgiving, express genuine gratitude. Whenever you say “thank you,” express it not just out of social convention.
When it comes to holiday giving, find wonderful gifts locally. To reduce stress, keep gifting simple. Set a basic budget and avoid overspending. Shop without excess travel time. Support local businesses that, in turn, contribute to our community.
Enjoy a wonderful meal. Then, have a restful, happy Thanksgiving.
