This week, we’re talking about something a lot of us experience but rarely admit—when the holiday that’s supposed to give us gratitude instead leaves us needing a vacation from our vacation. Between stuffing turkeys, juggling casseroles, and navigating tricky family dynamics, it’s easy to lose sight of the spirit of Thanksgiving. So, if you’ve ever found yourself feeling more exhausted than thankful, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking why that happens and what you can DO to actually enjoy the time with your family/friends—WITHOUT burning out.

So, Let’s Start with This..

Thanksgiving should be a time of gratitude and connection, yet for so many of us, it’s stressful. The turkey’s not done on time, the mashed potatoes are cold, the in-laws are early, and that one relative always finds a way to talk politics.

Add the stress of work deadlines before the holiday—and the mental load that women often carry when it comes to holiday planning—and you’ve got a recipe for burnout. So, if you’ve ever ended the weekend thinking, “I need a vacation from my vacation,” you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: there are ways to reclaim the joy of Thanksgiving and walk away from it refreshed, not frazzled.

1️⃣ Give Yourself Permission to Simplify
Everything doesn’t have to be homemade. Choose one or two dishes that matter most to you, and delegate or buy the rest. Focus on connection over perfection.

2️⃣ Protect Your Peace—and Your Boundaries
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Schedule breaks for yourself, even if it’s just ten quiet minutes on the porch with coffee. If a certain family topic always causes tension, give yourself permission to steer the conversation elsewhere—or quietly step away.

3️⃣ Practice Gratitude in Real Time
Before everyone leaves the table, take a moment to go around and have each person share one thing they’re thankful for. It’s a simple exercise that recent studies show can boost mood and lower cortisol levels in less than a week. Gratitude changes the tone of the room—and the tone of your heart.

That’s it for today, ShopTalkers! Let this be the Thanksgiving you actually enjoy—the one where you sit back, laugh a little louder, and remember what the holiday is really about.

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Check out our Mentioned Videos:

·      The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fR_clXjZ-4&list=PLdguFjdYMwqWXnvIeSAIhDrtPdHdsLGde

·      Holiday Stress: https://youtu.be/5Zbu44vrfq8?si=tvKuxmpKccCYjwe2

·      Forget Resolutions and Set your Dreams Instead: https://youtu.be/omCDMsVvJTY?si=0-WOWV_bk6ydI190

·      Travel Tips for the Busy Career Woman: https://youtu.be/PBCrY8DwHgo?si=TxE5GVymwTI-lQAZ

·      Why Healthy Boundaries Keep you from Strangling your Loved Ones: https://youtu.be/tZfDoKDCejU?si=jirinUos4U-JW1Mf

Get your copy of The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Career-Womans-Secret-Playbook

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https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/book-online

Grab your Freebies:
https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/career-secrets

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