Count Thanksgiving blessings
The Thanksgiving season grants us a chance to reflect and be grateful for the blessings in our lives. Amid the Thanksgiving menu, holiday foods and family traditions there’s an opportunity to count our Thanksgiving blessings. This blog highlights quick ideas to enjoy the Thanksgiving season.
Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities
The holiday season is a great time to give back to your community. Look locally in your community for Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities. Thanksgiving day is one of the busiest volunteer days for hunger-prevention charities — there are many ways to give back throughout the holiday season.
A few Thanksgiving volunteer ideas:
- Package meals for families before Thanksgiving
- Purchase Thanksgiving recipe ingredients and bringing them to local food shelters
- Visit a local nursing home for Thanksgiving events
- Deliver meals to families in need
Volunteering is a great activity for active adults, as it allows you to give back to your community while also providing possible health benefits. Studies show volunteering is associated with reduced risk of functional decline and a range of chronic conditions. The benefit of connecting with your community through volunteerism cannot be overstated.
Every community has unique volunteer opportunities. Ask around to your local nonprofits, churches or volunteer groups to get connected this Thanksgiving season!
Spending time together on Thanksgiving
Many of us gather with our families or friends on Thanksgiving. We cook our favorite recipes, enjoy Thanksgiving foods, maybe even watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But, how can we really value time together? Consider a few ideas below to connect with your loved ones at Thanksgiving gatherings.
- 1. Unplug and spend time together. It can be hard to separate from our devices, but encouraging your family and friends to put the devices aside for a couple of hours can help us connect deeper with each other.
- 2. Spend time outside. Enjoy the crisp fall air and colorful leaves on a brief walk or drive with your loved ones.
- 3. Play a game. Whether it’s cards, a board game or a puzzle, playing a game is a great way for all ages to connect and spend time together.
- 4. Do a craft. Especially if your Thanksgiving celebration has young children, plan a quick craft to enjoy some holiday-inspired creativity.
- 5. Call loved ones. If a loved one can’t attend your celebration, give them a call and tell them you’re thankful for them.
Practice gratitude every day
While Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for our blessings, we should strive to express gratitude every day. The Mayo Clinic recommends practicing gratitude every day for health benefits including improved mood, sleep, immunity and decreased depression, anxiety and difficulties with chronic pain or disease. Take time outside of the Thanksgiving season to express gratitude and remember the blessings in your life.
We’re thankful for our residents, staff and friends of Capital Manor. For information about living at Capital Manor, care services or other questions, reach out to our expert team.
