Every Thanksgiving host has pictured that perfect spread of food, family, and friends. However, those are also three things that therapist Sarah Kmita said can totally stress someone out.
“Seeing family that we haven’t seen in a while can be stressful. I think the pressure to have a perfect holiday can put a lot of stress on somebody,” she explained.
Around the holidays Kmita has talked with her clients a lot about coping ahead. “What’s the worst case scenario and how can we effectively navigate that without making it worse,” said Kmita.
What if you're hosting your first Thanksgiving meal? “Enlist some help. Remind yourself nothing has to be perfect,” Kmita said.
The conversation at the dinner table can be just as stressful. In today's politically-charged climate, politics may likely come up. “I think it's totally appropriate to gracefully say, 'You know, I prefer to talk about something else,'” explained Kmita.
If you're spending the holiday by yourself, Kmita advised to find a useful way to serve if you're unhappy alone.
“Volunteer your time somewhere. So many shelters and things like that around town are looking for volunteers on this day, and it’s a great way to meet people and do something worthwhile,” Kmita said.
