GUILT? STRESS? NAH, YOU’VE GOT A MANTRA.

WARNING: Enjoying your Thanksgiving meal has been known to cause … health and happiness.

Technically, this is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But hark! Think back on the last several holidays. How did you feel throughout the season? If you can answer this question with “sheer delight,” then no need to read on.

However, if you experienced some negative feelings, like stress, fatigue, worry or guilt, then read on for some holiday liberation.

On top of the stresses that come with planning, budgeting, cleaning, cooking, hosting and shopping, there’s pressure not to gain holiday weight. Borderline psychotic tips for a “thinner Thanksgiving” go something like this: “Don’t go to a party hungry!” and “Police your portions!” You know what? These pieces of advice are only good at adding stress and stealing joy.

So how about taking an improved approach to our holidays this year?

Think about how you want to FEEL this holiday season, and let that be your mantra. How do you want the people you love to feel when they are around you?

If you normally feel stressed, you might select calm. If you normally feel tired, you might choose to feel energized instead. If you feel anger and resentment, pick joy. You get the idea.

Basically, you can create a mantra around how you would like to feel. It’s as simple as orchestrating your experience in a different way. For instance, stress can be alleviated if you create your holiday plan ahead of time and write it down. Feeling overwhelmed can be solved by asking people for help. Your mantra this season might be something like, “Organized and ready.”

Finally, let’s get to this food thing.

I bet you spend a whole lot of time on preparation, only to sit down and feel guilty about enjoying it.

Hey.

Skip the side of guilt this time. Claim your right to experience eating wonderful food with your loved ones. Now, I’m not suggesting you stuff your face for 30 days – no one one wants to feel those aftereffects. However, I believe if you choose a mantra that gives you permission to enjoy the true feeling of the season, you may find that stress or the urge to overeat will automatically disappear.

What will be your mantra?