Protect Your Boundaries: A Self-Care Survival Guide For Thanksgiving 🦃

Thanksgiving is a time to come together, share gratitude, and enjoy delicious food, but let’s face it, it can also be A LOT. Whether it’s navigating complicated family dynamics, dodging intrusive questions, or simply managing the overwhelming busy-ness of the day, protecting your boundaries is key to surviving, and even thriving, through this upcoming holiday season.

Here’s a self-care survival guide to help you protect your peace and prioritize your wellbeing this Thanksgiving:

1. SET YOUR BOUNDARIES IN ADVANCE

Before you step into the festivities, take a moment to think about what’s important to you. Ask yourself:

• What am I comfortable sharing or discussing?
• What are my non-negotiables?
• How much time and energy do I realistically have to give?

Setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you mindful. Communicate these boundaries clearly, either with yourself or directly with family members if needed. For example:

• “I’d love to help with dinner, but I can’t stay past 7 PM.”
• “I’m not comfortable discussing my relationship status today.”

Reminder: It’s okay to say no. Your time, energy, and emotions are precious.

2. CREATE A SELF-CARE EXIT PLAN

If you start to feel overwhelmed, it’s helpful to have a plan in place to protect your mental health. Some ideas include:

• Step outside for fresh air. Take a short walk to reset.
• Practice a grounding exercise. Pause, breathe deeply, and count to five to re-center.
• Excuse yourself. Politely let the host know you need a moment and find a quiet space to regroup.

Remember, leaving early or stepping away doesn’t mean you’re not grateful or loving, it just means you’re honoring yourself and how you're feeling in that moment.

3. KEEP CONVERSATIONS LIGHT (WHEN YOU WANT TO)

Holiday gatherings often invite difficult conversations. If a topic feels too heavy or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to redirect. Some conversation-shifting phrases include:

• “That’s a good question, but I’d rather focus on catching up with you. How’s work been?”
• “Let’s save that for another time. Have you seen [funny or interesting topic]?”

Shifting gears can protect your energy while still keeping things friendly and engaging.

4. BUILD A "SELF-CARE TOOL KIT"

Bring along items or practices that help you feel grounded, such as:

• A journal to jot down your thoughts.
• Noise-canceling headphones for a quick moment of calm.
• A playlist or guided meditation to center yourself (included in our newest offering: Self-Care Boxes!)

Even a quick glance at your favorite self-care reminder (like a cozy sweatshirt with an empowering message 😉) can help you feel supported.

5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE, YOUR WAY

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, but it doesn’t have to be performative. Take a few moments to reflect on what you’re truly thankful for. You can:

• Write down 3 things you’re grateful for before or after the gathering.
• Take a moment to thank yourself for showing up, even if the day is challenging.

6. AFTER THANKSGIVING: REFLECT & RECHARGE

Once the day is over, take time to process how it went. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and give yourself credit for showing up in the ways you could. Use this time to rest, whether it’s with a favorite movie, a hot bath, or a quiet evening to yourself.

SELF-CARE IS FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING YOU!

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t about meeting everyone else’s expectations; it’s about showing up for yourself and finding moments of connection that feel good for you. By protecting your boundaries and prioritizing self-care, you can make it through this holiday season with your peace of mind intact.

What’s one way you plan to protect your boundaries this Thanksgiving?