Thanksgiving is two days away. My brother, Drew, and his wife, Jess, just flew into town from Indiana, and my FavFour can’t wait to spend time together. It feels even more important to be together this holiday with all the hard happening in the world and in my little corner of it.
If you’re feeling stressed, sad, or stretched too thin heading into this holiday, remember this: Your brain literally can’t hold stress and gratitude at the same time.
UC Berkeley research shows:
🧠 15 minutes of gratitude practice increases neural sensitivity in your prefrontal cortex (the part stress shrinks).
💞 Oxytocin released during genuine connection counteracts cortisol.
🤗 A 20-second hug lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
This isn’t woo-woo. It’s biology working for you.
What you focus on expands.
Practice this:
- Tell three people why you’re truly grateful for them. Feel what shifts in your body.
- Around the table, ask: “What moment this year made you feel most alive?” Then listen deeply.
- Take a 20-minute walk before the food coma hits. Let your body complete the stress cycle while you savor the day.
Gratitude isn’t ignoring pain—it’s remembering you’re still whole in the midst of it.
Focus on connection and gratitude this week, and see how it shifts you. 🧡
I’m thankful for you being a part of my life and this community!
PS. While you’re in this kitchen this week, push play on this podcast where I talk all about the power of energy management.
