by River Roshana

Created on: October 12, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Psychiatrists and Psychologists have often recommended a day off to be grateful for the "little things".Such is what Thanksgiving Day should be all.Instead we usually celebrate the day with a frenzy of activities stressing ourselves over such mundane matters as the stuffing on the Turkey or that distant relative we would rather not see during Thanksgiving dinner.

Celebrations are meant to bring us joy not tension. Truth to be told however, it seems that instead of Thanksgiving Day being an occasion of merriment, it becomes nothing more than the day to stay in the kitchen and worry about the bird, the kids and the dinner.

There is more to that about Thanksgiving. It's a day to ponder to be grateful that we're alive, we're free, we can breathe and think, we have people who love us and we can see the glorious beauty of the winter snow. We realize that little things are really huge things that we can thank God for and that our mundane lives are really great.

Psyche yourself even before the big day. A day or so before Thanksgiving, set your mind into a grateful mode and relax. Go for a walk in the garden and admire the splendor of nature. If you happen to see a neighbor or friend while you're hiking, smile a lot and think about how many of your neighbors and friends have vastly contributed to the joys in your life. Keeping your soul in tune with nature opens your mind to the splendor of the great gifts you have been given. That takes so much of the stress out of your system.

To keep your sanity during this season you may likewise have to sit down, make a clear list of what you will need and then shop early. Making a list will spare you from getting too stressed while you are shopping while you think about what you may forget. Shop early to spare yourself from the annoyance of having to wait in line or frantically "take that grab" for the biggest turkey.

Schedule a spa or a massage days before Thanksgiving Day. Going to the spa or treating yourself to a massage days before the big day primes your body and mind to release all tensions. Think good thoughts as you feel the warmth of the spa heat or the caring hands soothing all your muscles. Avoid racy thoughts about what you "should" do while having a massage.

If you have to travel during the holidays, do your plane reservations early. Plan to enjoy taking your flights or traveling during the holidays. Try not to anticipate anything worrisome because negative thoughts tend to invite a serendipitous chain of annoyances instead

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