Skipping Thanksgiving? Here's Why Celebrating Small Wins Can Be Your True Path to Bliss

Celebrating small wins is a powerful way to build momentum and boost your mental health, reminding yourself that every step forward counts. Whether it’s completing a task, setting a boundary, or simply getting through a tough day, acknowledging these victories can help you stay focused and motivated.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, but for many, it can feel like a pressure cooker of stress, social anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Thanksgiving, in particular, is synonymous with large gatherings, grand meals, and the expectation to feel “thankful”—but for some, these traditions can feel anything but joyous. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the obligations of the holiday or the pressure to meet certain social standards, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: skipping Thanksgiving doesn’t mean missing out on joy. In fact, it could be the most liberating choice you make. Instead of conforming to the hustle and bustle, why not focus on what truly matters: celebrating yourself. By shifting your focus away from the chaotic holiday narrative and honing in on your own small wins, you can create a sense of peace, joy, and accomplishment—without the holiday stress.

The Overwhelm of Traditional Thanksgiving: A Day of Expectation

For some, Thanksgiving brings with it the stress of family dynamics, long travel times, and the pressure of “perfecting” the day. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected from family, the idea of a massive dinner or social obligation can feel suffocating. The very notion of feeling "grateful" can seem hollow when you're overwhelmed, burnt out, or emotionally drained. It's easy to start thinking that Thanksgiving isn’t a time for celebration, but for many, it becomes just another day filled with expectations.

But what if you didn’t have to take part in the traditional holiday celebration? What if you could make Thanksgiving your own and focus on celebrating your personal growth and accomplishments instead? For those of us who struggle with social anxiety, family conflict, or simply the weight of tradition, opting out can be a powerful act of self-care. It’s a way to reclaim the space you need for peace and reflection, all while honoring the quiet victories in your life.

Celebrating Small Wins: A New Kind of Gratitude

The beauty of choosing to skip Thanksgiving is that it allows you to embrace a new form of celebration. Instead of focusing on the larger-than-life moments, you can focus on the small, often overlooked achievements that have shaped your year. These small wins might not have the same grandeur as a holiday feast, but they are just as, if not more, important for your mental health and well-being.

1. The Win of Getting Through a Tough Week

Maybe your biggest achievement this year hasn’t been a promotion or a grand accomplishment, but simply surviving a difficult week. Maybe you juggled work stress, family obligations, and your own mental health challenges—and you made it through. That’s worth celebrating! The act of simply being when life feels overwhelming is a victory in itself. Take time to honor your resilience.

Example: If you’ve recently managed a stressful work deadline or dealt with a personal health struggle and still showed up for yourself—no matter how tired or emotionally drained you felt—that’s a win. Pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea, take a long bath, and reflect on how far you’ve come.

2. The Win of Taking a Mental Health Day

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to take a break—and that’s not always easy. If you’ve taken a mental health day this year, congratulations! Recognizing the need for rest and emotional recovery is a massive step toward self-awareness and self-love.

Example: Maybe this year you took a day off work to rest after a stressful period, or perhaps you allowed yourself a day to relax with no expectations. These seemingly simple actions help you restore your energy, recharge your emotional batteries, and remind yourself that you matter.

3. The Win of Saying "No"

Setting boundaries is a huge win—yet it’s often underrated. If you’ve said "no" to a commitment or request that didn’t serve you this year, you’ve already accomplished something significant. Saying no isn’t always easy, especially when there are external pressures. But doing so in favor of your own needs and well-being is a reflection of your personal growth.

Example: Perhaps you said no to attending a family gathering that would have drained you emotionally, or maybe you didn’t take on extra work when you were already overloaded. These are not small actions—they’re powerful forms of self-care.

4. The Win of Practicing Self-Compassion

In a world where perfection is often glorified, showing yourself compassion is a quiet but powerful victory. If you’ve worked on silencing your inner critic or given yourself permission to not be perfect, you’ve made tremendous progress.

Example: Maybe you’ve learned to forgive yourself for past mistakes or chosen to celebrate your efforts, not just the results. Perhaps you’ve been kinder to yourself on days when everything felt like too much. These moments of self-compassion pave the way for healthier mental habits in the long run.

5. The Win of Finding Joy in the Simple Things

In a world that’s constantly moving, it can be easy to overlook the small, everyday joys. Finding delight in simple pleasures—whether it’s watching a sunset, reading a book, or taking a walk—can provide a deep sense of fulfillment. Celebrating these small moments can bring you a profound sense of gratitude without the need for grandiose celebrations.

Example: Maybe this year, you found joy in something simple: the feel of soft rain on your face, a delicious cup of coffee in the morning, or the quiet satisfaction of a well-tended garden. These small moments are the quiet, sustainable sources of joy that contribute to your mental well-being.

The Bliss of Your Own Celebration

By focusing on your personal victories, you take back the narrative of what it means to "celebrate." Instead of feeling obligated to participate in large social gatherings that cause anxiety, you can create a meaningful experience for yourself. Skipping Thanksgiving can give you the space to acknowledge how far you’ve come, the challenges you’ve faced, and the progress you’ve made. And perhaps most importantly, it allows you to celebrate your own journey on your own terms.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Small Wins

This Thanksgiving, consider turning away from traditional celebrations and focusing on what really matters: celebrating you. Whether it’s taking the day to reflect, indulging in self-care, or simply acknowledging your wins, choosing to focus on your growth can provide you with a deep sense of fulfillment and peace. After all, true gratitude begins with appreciating yourself—and the quiet victories that shape who you are.

So, this year, forget the turkey and the holiday bustle. Instead, focus on the small but mighty wins you’ve made—and take the time to celebrate them. Because you deserve it.

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Touchdowns and Tranquility: How Watching American Football on Thanksgiving Can Support Your Mental Health

Watching American football on Thanksgiving offers a chance to bond with loved ones, creating a shared experience that promotes connection and reduces stress. Beyond the excitement of the game, it provides a moment of escape, helping to ease the mental strain of holiday pressures and fostering a sense of belonging.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and, for many, football. The iconic sight of loved ones gathered around the TV, shouting in excitement as their favorite teams battle it out on the field, has become as much a tradition as the turkey and mashed potatoes. But beyond the festive spirit and competitive energy, could there be more to this beloved Thanksgiving pastime than meets the eye? Surprisingly, watching American football on Thanksgiving may offer several unexpected mental health benefits—promoting connection, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of relaxation in the midst of holiday chaos.

The Power of Connection: Bonding Over the Game

Thanksgiving can be a time of joy but also a time of emotional complexity. For many, the holiday season triggers feelings of stress, anxiety, or even loneliness. Whether it’s due to family dynamics, past trauma, or the pressures of trying to create a “perfect” holiday, the emotional weight of the day can take its toll. This is where the communal aspect of watching football comes into play.

Watching a game with family or friends offers an opportunity for social connection. When we share experiences with others, it activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure and bonding. Cheering for the same team, engaging in friendly banter, or even just sharing the collective tension of a close game can foster a sense of belonging and joy. In fact, research shows that positive social interactions, especially those rooted in shared activities, can boost mood and reduce feelings of isolation. For those who may feel disconnected or overwhelmed, this shared experience can be a grounding force, providing an emotional anchor during a potentially challenging time.

A Moment of Escape: The Mental Health Benefits of Sports Entertainment

Sometimes, the best way to cope with stress is to step away from it. Thanksgiving can be emotionally charged, and the pressures to be “on” for family and friends can lead to burnout. Watching football, especially on a day where everyone’s attention is focused on the game, offers a form of mental escape—a chance to temporarily set aside worries, obligations, and to-do lists.

Engaging with a live sports event can help quiet the mind, creating a mental distraction from the chaos of the day. For many, the ebb and flow of the game—along with the excitement, uncertainty, and camaraderie that comes with it—provides a healthy mental break. Just as mindfulness practices ask us to focus on the present moment, watching a game requires our full attention. The intense focus on the game can help reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm, allowing us to be “in the moment” rather than stressing about past regrets or future concerns.

Reducing Holiday Stress: The Power of Routine and Tradition

For many people, Thanksgiving football is as much about tradition as it is about sport. It’s a familiar routine that brings structure to a day otherwise filled with unpredictability. This sense of tradition can play a significant role in mental well-being. When we have traditions we can rely on, it offers a sense of continuity and stability—especially in the midst of life’s unpredictable moments.

For those dealing with holiday-related stress or anxiety, having a set routine or activity to look forward to can be a powerful coping mechanism. Watching a game on Thanksgiving offers not only a distraction but also a moment of grounding. It’s a ritualistic break from the demands of cooking, hosting, and navigating family dynamics. In a way, it’s a time to pause and reset, helping to reduce overall stress levels during a busy and often overwhelming holiday season.

Boosting Mood: The Science Behind Sports Fandom

It’s not just about the game—it’s also about the feelings the game evokes. Sports fandom, especially when it’s tied to national holidays like Thanksgiving, can generate a powerful sense of pride and excitement. When our team wins, the feeling of joy and accomplishment can boost mood and provide a sense of satisfaction. The “highs” of watching a thrilling touchdown or winning play release dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, which can improve mood and reduce stress. This chemical reaction can help mitigate the negative emotions that might arise during the holiday.

Interestingly, even if your team loses, research suggests that sports fans experience a sense of belonging and community during the game, which can have a positive impact on mental health. The collective emotion of cheering (or commiserating) together fosters a shared experience that can create lasting emotional bonds. While the outcome of the game may be temporary, the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves can have a lasting, uplifting impact on mental well-being.

Football, Family, and Mental Health: Finding the Right Balance

Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone enjoys watching sports, and for some, the energy of a big game may feel more stressful than relaxing. For those who find themselves more drained than energized by the chaos of a live game, it’s okay to step away. The key to mental health is balance—whether that means enjoying the game in small doses, taking breaks when needed, or finding alternative activities that bring comfort.

The holiday season should be about honoring what makes you feel connected, grounded, and happy. If that happens to include watching a thrilling football game with family and friends, then great! But if not, that’s perfectly okay too. The important thing is to find activities that align with your own mental health needs, whether they involve sports or other forms of self-care.

Final Thoughts: Creating Space for Joy and Connection

So, as you gather around the TV this Thanksgiving to watch your favorite team battle it out, remember that the benefits of watching football go beyond the final score. It’s about connecting with others, taking a mental break, and participating in a shared tradition that can support your mental health. In a season that often brings stress, family dynamics, and pressure, watching a football game could be your opportunity to relax, recharge, and create joyful moments with those who matter most.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s no denying the positive impact that shared experiences—like Thanksgiving football—can have on our mental well-being. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the game. After all, sometimes the greatest victory is simply showing up and being present in the moment.

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Honoring Heritage: How to Create a Culturally Inclusive Environment for Native Communities

Creating a culturally inclusive environment for Native communities means recognizing and respecting the unique traditions, values, and healing practices that are integral to their identity. By incorporating these cultural elements into mental health care and community support, we can foster a sense of belonging and promote holistic well-being for Native individuals.

In a world that increasingly values diversity and inclusion, it’s essential to recognize the cultural and mental health needs of Native communities. The impact of centuries of colonization, forced displacement, and cultural suppression has left deep scars on Native peoples. Yet, the resilience of Native cultures and communities remains a powerful testament to survival and strength. As we work towards building a more inclusive society, it is important to understand the unique cultural backgrounds, traditions, and challenges that Native individuals face in the realm of mental health and well-being.

The Mental Health Landscape for Native Communities

Native American communities face a range of mental health challenges rooted in historical trauma, marginalization, and systemic inequities. According to the National Indian Health Board, Native Americans are more likely to experience mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. However, these issues are often compounded by a lack of access to culturally competent healthcare, stigmatization, and the erasure of Native voices in mental health conversations. The mental health system, as it exists today, often fails to account for the unique cultural values and traditions that shape the lives of Native individuals.

Culturally relevant mental health care is essential for healing and supporting Native communities. Understanding the role of family, community, spirituality, and land in Native well-being can help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern therapeutic approaches. By acknowledging the importance of culture and honoring Native traditions, we can begin to break down the barriers to healing and ensure that individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in ways that are aligned with their values.

Creating Cultural Inclusivity in Mental Health

To be truly inclusive, mental health systems must adapt to the cultural realities of Native communities, ensuring that services are not only accessible but also relevant and respectful. Here are several key steps to create a more culturally inclusive environment for Native individuals seeking mental health support:

1. Acknowledge Historical Trauma and Its Impact

Understanding the profound effects of historical trauma is crucial to supporting Native people’s mental health. This trauma, which stems from colonization, forced relocation, the boarding school system, and ongoing systemic discrimination, continues to affect generations. Acknowledging this history—not as a distant past, but as an ongoing struggle—can help open the door to healing. Mental health providers should learn about the impact of these historical events and integrate this understanding into their practice, fostering an environment where Native clients can feel safe discussing their experiences.

2. Incorporate Traditional Healing Practices

Native communities often have their own systems of healing, which include cultural practices such as ceremony, storytelling, sweat lodges, and talking circles. These practices emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and community. To be culturally inclusive, mental health professionals should be open to incorporating traditional healing methods into therapeutic practices. This doesn't mean replacing Western medicine or therapy but rather supplementing them with culturally relevant approaches that align with the client's worldview.

3. Build Trust with Native Communities

Trust is a key component in any therapeutic relationship, and it’s especially crucial for Native clients who may have historically been mistreated by healthcare systems. Building rapport and trust involves being patient, showing respect for Native cultures, and acknowledging the legacy of discrimination that may lead to mistrust in healthcare providers. Mental health professionals can work to earn trust by being culturally competent, listening actively, and avoiding harmful stereotypes or assumptions.

4. Offer Culturally Relevant Education and Resources

Part of creating an inclusive environment involves educating both mental health professionals and the wider community about Native cultures, values, and mental health challenges. This means offering workshops, training, and resources on cultural competence and the unique needs of Native populations. It’s also essential to create space for Native people to share their own stories and perspectives, ensuring they have a voice in shaping the mental health services that serve them.

5. Respect Community and Family Structures

In Native cultures, the sense of community and family plays a central role in an individual’s mental health. Family is often seen as an extended network that includes not just immediate relatives, but also elders, cousins, and broader community members. Acknowledging the importance of these relationships is vital in therapeutic settings. Mental health providers should encourage family involvement when appropriate and work to understand the client’s support network as a critical factor in their healing journey.

6. Address Barriers to Access

Native communities often face significant barriers to accessing mental health services, including geographic isolation, language differences, and financial constraints. In remote areas, healthcare facilities may be scarce, and transportation can be a major obstacle. Providing telehealth options, community outreach, and mobile mental health services can help bridge the gap and make support more accessible. Additionally, language barriers can be addressed by offering services in Native languages and hiring culturally competent staff who understand the unique dialects of local communities.

Moving Towards True Inclusivity

Creating a culturally inclusive mental health environment for Native communities requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to understanding, empathy, and respect for diverse cultural practices. It’s about fostering environments where Native people can heal on their own terms, with access to care that respects and incorporates their cultural values.

The road to inclusivity is ongoing, and mental health professionals must be willing to learn, adapt, and actively engage in practices that promote cultural competency. As society continues to evolve, it’s essential to ensure that Native communities are not left behind in the conversation about mental health and wellness.

By honoring the wisdom of Native cultures, acknowledging the impact of historical trauma, and creating accessible, culturally relevant care, we can help pave the way for greater mental health equity and healing. Native communities have shown extraordinary resilience through generations of hardship, and together, we can build a future where healing is available to all, on their own terms.

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