7 ways to relax after Thanksgiving Dinner

Holidays are full of excitement, but preparing a lavish meal and hosting a dinner can be hectic as well. Once the festivities are over and the guests have gone home, you may find it difficult to relax. Here are a few tips to unwind.

1) To Clean or Not to Clean

You’ve had a big day so consider leaving the clean-up for later. However, if you are a perfectionist, you may not be able to rest until everything is tidy and back in its rightful place. If that is the case, enlist the help of your significant other. If any guests stay late and offer to help clean up, take them up on their offer. You can get things cleaned up quickly when you have help. Once the mess is out of the way, you can relax.

2) After Dinner Cocktails

What better way to relax than to sit back with a holiday cocktail? You can make several tasty cocktails with pumpkin, apple, cranberries, pomegranate, and your favorite liquor.

3) Take a Walk

If you’re feeling bloated from your holiday meal, taking a walk can aid your digestion. It can also relieve any stress or anxiety you’ve built up throughout the day. Walking can help relax your body and ready it for sleep.  Choosing from one of the wonderful parks in Pickaway County is a great place to start.  Visit PickawayCountyParks.org for more information.

4) Movie and Cuddle Time

Cuddle up with your partner and watch an old movie favorite. It’s a classic way to relax and let that holiday meal digest. It’s also a romantic way to end a hectic day.

5) Check on Loved Ones

Call or text family members or friends that weren’t able to share your holiday. Ask how their day was and let them know how much you missed them. It will make you feel better, and they will appreciate your acknowledgment. After all, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?

6) Relax in the Bath

Now that you hosted the perfect holiday setting, and completed your checklist, serve yourself a perfectly relaxing bath. Feel the tub with bubbles, bath salts, and wonderfully scented oils that make you feel like you’re at the spa. Sink in and let your body have a good relaxing soak. An aromatic bath will relax your muscles and let all the tension drain away. Once you’ve finished bathing, soothe your skin with body oil or lotion that leaves you feeling silky and soft.

7) Bedtime

Now, you’re ready for bed. All that’s left to do is get a good night’s sleep. However, if you have difficulty falling asleep, don’t count sheep. Count your blessings instead. It’s a fitting way to end a Thanksgiving Day.

Image by Julie Rothe