Your Thanksgiving Plan to Stay Healthy, Stress Less, and Have Fun!

Make the most of the holiday with these simple tips.

The holidays have a way of throwing even the most dedicated health enthusiast off their game. Not this year! All month long, follow along as SilverSneakers LIVE trainer Shannon Thigpen unwraps our best tips for staying healthy, happy, and, yes, even calm during this busy time of year. Check in here and on our Facebook page for new activities to try. Here’s to your healthiest, happiest holiday season ever!   

During a holiday week, it can be hard to take care of yourself. If you’re hosting guests, you’re likely busy with cleaning or cooking. And if you’re the guest, you might be running errands, packing your suitcase, or bracing for travel.

Luckily, a healthy lifestyle isn’t an all-or-nothing challenge. Use these simple tips to take care of your body and mind this week.

Emotional well-being and fitness go together! With SilverSneakers, you can choose from dozens of different Community classes, visit a participating fitness location, or join one of 20+ SilverSneakers LIVE online classes. Check your eligibility here.   

Squeeze in a Do-Anywhere Workout

Whether you’re away from home or simply don’t have time to run out to the gym, it’s still possible—and beneficial—to move your body. This fast, no-equipment routine relieves stiff joints, boosts energy, and works all your major muscle groups. Click here for a 10-minute workout that you can do in a hotel room or a guest bedroom.

Find a SilverSneakers Location Near You

If you are traveling during the week but prefer to stick to your regular gym workout, good news. SilverSneakers gives you access to all participating locations nationwide. If you are:

• Not yet a SilverSneakers member, you can check your eligibility here.
• A SilverSneakers member, you can find a location here. Call the location to check holiday hours.

You can also tune into a SilverSneakers LIVE class online—and, yes, we’ll be working out on Thanksgiving day! View the schedule and RSVP here.

A Good Class to Try: SilverSneakers EnerChi In this 45-minute class, you’ll perform modified tai chi movements in a slow, flowing sequence to help improve your balance and your focus. A chair is used for support, if needed. EnerChi is offered both in-person at participating fitness locations (check the gym schedule for exact times) and online through SilverSneakers LIVE. View the schedule and RSVP here.

Hike, Walk, or Just Step Out in Nature

If the weather allows, take advantage of your surroundings. Plan a hike with family or friends. Or if what you need is a moment to yourself, turn your regular walk into moving meditation.

Even if you can’t be gone long, look for an opportunity to get some fresh air—it’ll put a smile on your face.

Quiet Your Mind in Just 20 Seconds

Can’t seem to find your keys right when you need to leave the house? Or maybe you have a million thoughts running through your mind: Did I get enough butter? What time will everyone get here? Uh-oh, I need to wash some towels. Wait, did I get enough butter?

Regain focus and control with this simple breathing exercise.

Find or Make Your Own Gathering

If you don’t have loved ones nearby or you’ve had to break your Thanksgiving tradition this year, you can celebrate in new ways, if you choose to.

Many community centers and churches host Thanksgiving gatherings. Check local news or with organizations directly.

Prefer a smaller setting? Plan a potluck with neighbors or friends. You might be surprised at how many people are in a similar situation and looking for ways to connect: empty nesters, retirees who have moved into a new community, people who have recently lost a spouse or gotten divorced, or folks whose Thanksgiving plans changed at the last minute.

Get a Little Bit of Everything You Want

Thanksgiving dinner is hardly the time to overanalyze everything that goes on your plate—or worse, feel guilty about it. Try this: Use a smaller plate. You’ll be able to get a taste of everything you’ve been craving while easily limiting portions.

Whip Out the Family Albums or Smartphones

Take a trip down memory lane by looking at old family photos, which can bring back many happy memories. Or catch up on personal news by sharing recent photos on your smartphones.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to take a few pictures or videos to capture new happy memories! Plus, try these other tips to bond with your adult children.