What Can You Thank Your Body For This Year?

Thanksgiving is full of love, laughter, friends, family, and lots and lots of food. For some this can be a joyful time. For others it can be a trigger for unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues. I get it. I was once that person who would get anxiety come holiday season. How was I going to avoid eating without everyone noticing?

I am blessed to no longer struggle with those behaviors on a daily basis but admittedly, they have resurfaced over the past couple years. I am now 52 and with my age comes menopause, weight gain, fatigue, stress, sleep disturbances and so much more! I am always looking for healthier ways to deal with these things as they arise and I have found that having a plan ahead of time always helps. Stay ahead of it to stay on top of it.

If you find yourself struggling with all the food, parties, and stress that comes this time of year, take a moment to reflect on all the hard work you have done to stay healthy. I know there will be a ton of unhealthy foods around but if you take the time to focus on yourself and how far you have come, you can appreciate the healthy body you now have and respect it so that you maintain positive behaviors throughout the season. You are beautiful just as your are. 

One of the most important things to remember this holiday season is that one indulgent meal or one dessert is not going to derail all of the hard work you have done. Moderation not restriction.So give yourself a break and enjoy these precious moments with family and friends. Continue to be mindful of what you are consuming and aim for mostly whole foods, continue to stay active every day, and continue to check in with your mindset and this holiday season can be your best one yet!

Here are some meaningful and body-positive ideas to help you thank your body this Thanksgiving season:

1. Gratitude Journaling for the Body

Write a daily journal entry about one thing your body allows you to do. For example:

•  “I’m grateful my legs carry me through beautiful walks in nature.”
•  “I appreciate my hands for creating and connecting with others.”

2. A Mindful Body Scan

Do a body scan meditation where you thank each part of your body for its role. For instance:

•  “Thank you, heart, for beating and keeping me alive.”
•  “Thank you, lungs, for filling me with air and energy.”

3. Create a "Thank-You Body" Board

Make a physical or digital vision board highlighting ways your body has supported you. This could include photos of joyful moments, accomplishments, or quotes about body appreciation.

4. Celebrate Movement, Not Burnout

Host a Thanksgiving-themed movement class emphasizing joyful movement over intensity. For example:

•  Yoga flows that focus on grounding and gratitude.
•  A low-impact dance class celebrating self-expression.

5. Nourish the Body with Intention

Cook a meal where the focus is on how the food nourishes your body rather than just calorie content. Then reflect on the journey the food takes to fuel you.

6. Self-Love Rituals

Acts of care like:

•  A luxurious bath where you focus on pampering your skin.
•  Writing a letter of gratitude to your body and reading it aloud.

7. Volunteer or Donate

Give back in honor of your body’s health and abilities. Volunteering at a food bank or donating warm clothes can serve as a reminder of your body’s strength and privilege.

8. Create a "Thankful for the Little Things" List

Write a list of small, overlooked things you’re grateful for, like being able to feel warm sunlight on your skin or laugh with friends.

9. Practice Gratitude as a Community

Organize a small group session where participants share one thing they love about their body. This can foster connection and mutual appreciation.

10. Thanksgiving Morning Affirmations

Share affirmations to recite on Thanksgiving morning, such as:

•  “My body is my home, and I’m thankful for it.”
•  “I appreciate how my body supports me every day, in big and small ways.”

Thanksgiving Body Gratitude Worksheet

Take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful things your body does for you. Use this worksheet to practice gratitude and strengthen your connection to your body.

1. Reflect and Write

Complete the following sentences:

•  I am grateful for my hands because they allow me to __________.
•  I am thankful for my legs because they help me __________.
•  I appreciate my heart for __________.
•  I admire my mind for __________.

2. Gratitude in Action

Circle one way you will show gratitude to your body this week:

•  Take a relaxing walk or stretch.
•  Prepare a meal that nourishes and satisfies.
•  Write a love letter to your body.
•  Rest and allow my body to recharge.
•  Other: ______________________________

3. Celebrate Your Unique Body

Think about a moment when your body helped you do something amazing. Describe it here:

4. Positive Affirmations

Write three affirmations that celebrate your body today:

5. Gratitude List

List five small things about your body that you’re thankful for:

Bonus Activity: Self-Love Ritual

Pick a self-care ritual to practice this Thanksgiving season (e.g., a warm bath, mindful breathing, or dancing to your favorite song). Describe how it made you feel: