Backstage Country

LISTEN LIVE

Best Ways To Relax During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many different reasons. Luckily, there are many different ways to relax during the holiday season according to Healthline. One of the…

Best Ways To Relax During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many different reasons. Luckily, there are many different ways to relax during the holiday season according to Healthline.

One of the best ways to calm your mind is doing breathing exercises. While doing these exercises it's also good to try and release some physical tension. You can do both of these things together by first finding a comfortable spot to sit or lay down. Then you take a deep breath in for a count of three, then out for another count of three. While doing this, you can slowly tense up and release different parts of the body.

Writing is another good way to relax. Sitting down and writing what's on your mind when stressed is a good way to get all of your stress out. While writing, it's best not to worry about any spelling errors, just focus on what's bothering you. Jotting down list can also help with relaxation. A list of what you are grateful for is the best type of list to write when you have a hard time unwinding.

Finding your happy place is a good way to bring happiness back into your day. To do this you simply close your eyes and think of a location that would make you happy to be at in the moment. Imagine how it smells, how the air or ground might feel, what it looks and sounds like. Doing this can bring you a lot of peace and help you to destress.

Relaxing has many positive effects. Some of these effects include better memory, being able to think more clearly, having a more positive outlook, and it even reduces the risk of different health issues. So remember to take the time to relax this holiday season.

Pre-Thanksgiving Fun: 6 Activities to Get You in the Spirit

Now's the time to get into those late-fall activities and gear up for the holiday season. While the peak time for apple and pumpkin picking has passed, there are still enjoyable fall activities during the final month of fall. Additionally, the earlier onset of darkness in November provides extra motivation to include a few fall activities in your schedule before winter arrives and holiday preparations take over.

Christmas is approaching, but let's not forget Thanksgiving.

Every year, Christmas decorations start appearing almost immediately after Halloween ends, especially in stores where Christmas becomes the primary focus. Thanksgiving tends to receive less attention. But Thanksgiving deserves recognition in its own right. A Thanksgiving dinner isn't just about providing a satisfying meal, but also a warm heart. It doesn't require gifts or candy to celebrate this day, either. Thanksgiving is all about the food, family, and traditions, which some people may sometimes overlook. Additionally, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and the National Dog Show are more reasons to appreciate Thanksgiving.

The season of gratitude sets the stage for the season of giving at Christmas.

Thanksgiving might have a complicated history, but for many, it's a time to slow down and focus on family. With schools, offices and most stores closed, it's a chance to hit the pause button on life, reflect on what you're thankful for, and indulge in some delicious home-cooked food and a dessert spread that's hard to beat. Alternatively, you might opt for ordering takeout or delivery. Regardless of the menu, the quality time spent with loved ones is what truly counts. There are numerous ways to enjoy this time with your family during Thanksgiving break.

Consider some Thanksgiving activities that offer creative opportunities, such as crafting turkey-themed arts and crafts. These options include making playdough turkeys, pinecone turkeys, or cardboard turkeys with your family. You can also explore gratitude-related activities for families, such as creating gratitude rocks or crafting thankful turkeys.

Here are some fun activities to consider in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.

Turkey Trot

Look around for a Thanksgiving race happening near you. Round up your friends or family members and join a seasonal run. Some of these races are pretty laid-back, while others are more intense for those serious runners. Either way, it would make for a great activity ahead of Thanksgiving.

Marathon running in the light of evening

Pavel1964/ Getty Images

Binge Thanksgiving Episodes

Nothing gets you in the Thanksgiving mood like re-watching the best Thanksgiving episodes from your favorite TV shows. You can even make it a family affair by having each family member pick 2 or 3 themed episodes from their favorite shows for everyone to binge-watch. You have a variety of TV shows to pick from, such as Friends, specifically "The One with All the Thanksgivings" (Season 5, Episode 8), This Is Us with the episode "Pilgrim Rick" (Season 1, Episode 8), or Gilmore Girls featuring "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9).

Girls watching television on sofa

Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/ Getty Images

Pie Swap

Whether you're trying to use up all those apples you picked last month, perfect a pie recipe before the holidays, or simply want an excuse to devour something sweet with friends, a pie swap is a great way to gather in November. You could even make it a virtual baking event or deliver your pastry creations to your friends' doorsteps.

Assortment of homemade fall pies. Apple, pumpkin and pecan. Top down view table scene on a dark wood background.

jenifoto/ Getty Images

"Friendsgiving"

Not everyone can make it home for Thanksgiving, and even if they can, consider hosting a potluck feast with your closest friends. Ask everyone to whip up or bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish. You can even add a unique theme to your celebration for extra fun.

Multiracial group of friends gathering at dining table for Thanksgiving dinner. Focus is on man carving roast turkey.

Drazen Zigic/ Getty Images

Gratitude Crafts

Get your creative juices flowing by making crafts that express what you're thankful for. Try something like creating a Thankful Turkey or a Turkey on the Table. It's an activity that encourages the whole family to share their gratitude and make it a daily thing. Get your family to jot down what they're thankful for on little paper feathers throughout November. These feathers can be added to a turkey centerpiece made from construction paper. Then on Thanksgiving day, take the time to read each one with your family.

Volunteer

Chat it out with your family and decide which organization or foundation you want to support, then kick off a collection. Making your annual donation a Thanksgiving tradition is a cool way to show your gratitude. Volunteering together anytime in the year teaches your family to think beyond themselves, give back, and appreciate what they have.

Positive atmosphere. Charming friendly sincere men and women working in charity foundation and carrying boxes with supplies while enjoying good time

Zinkevych/ Getty Images

Country 103.7’s funniest guy in town is none other than Rob Tanner with Tanner in the Morning! Rob Tanner has been the host of WSOC-FM's Tanner in the Morning Show in Charlotte, NC for 20 years. The show was named the 2018 ACM Major Market Personalities of the Year. He is well-versed in all topics in country music. Tanner also is a sports junkie who writes about any Carolina sports team, and he and his wife Missy spend most of their down exploring theme parks. He writes Disney insider content.