Be thankful today and everyday!

There are some great reasons to thank people throughout the year and not just during the holiday season.

1. Your appreciation may have more of an impact when it is done at an unexpected time. Giving thanks during the holidays can be somewhat expected. Surprise someone by showing your gratitude when it is least expected and it will be remembered for a long time.

2. It can be done immediately after an event you are most thankful for. That is when it will encourage others the most.

3. Your notes and thoughtful comments won’t get diluted by those from others trying to catch up for the past year on their thanks.

4. You can give more time and personalized attention when showing your gratitude. You will not have to do something for a large list of people in a short period of time.

You should have no problem thinking of ones to thank on a daily or weekly basis. If you need some ideas, here are some to get you thinking:

1. Family and friends that have done something for you (including being your friend)

2. The person that delivers your mail and newspaper

3. Teachers, teacher aides, and school staff

4. Church staff, teachers, and helpers

5. Business co-workers and clients

6. Community workers (including police, fire fighters, and government workers)

7. Medical professionals looking after your family’s health

What are some ways to thank those that have made a difference in your life? Try one of these ways or be creative with your own heartfelt method:

1. Send a handwritten note or letter that expresses your thankfulness.

2. Tell the person face-to-face how grateful you are for them being in your life.

3. Provide a simple gift to the person. Don’t give an extravagant gift or you run the risk of minimizing the actions of the other person.

4. Help the other person in a way that benefits him or her.

Giving thanks doesn’t just benefit the other person. You will receive benefits from doing it as well. You will begin to feel happier and more relaxed. In fact, it has been proven in studies that being grateful can have a positive effect on your health. It can reduce your stress and boost your immune system.

Why wouldn’t you look for every opportunity to show your thankfulness to others? Don’t wait for a holiday before you look for opportunities to show your gratitude. Give thanks on a regular basis throughout the year.

Written by Cozette M. White

The post When Do You Give Thanks? appeared first on Dr. Cozette M. White.

You can get ready and be less stressed than last year with a few easy Thanksgiving travel tips.

Holiday Traffic

Pack light

Carry one soft side bag. The one thing to count on at this time of year is long lines. Set your mind that delays will happen. If you pack light you can move around more easily while waiting for that late bus, train or plane.

Take a special book, magazine or movies for those delay times. If you have something special to do while waiting the time goes much smoother. Pack low-sugar snacks and drinks. Travelers don’t need a sugar rush while waiting or in cramped quarters.

Flying

Arrive at the airport two hours prior to scheduled flight departure time, both on the outbound and inbound trips. This is once you get into the terminal. Build in extra time to park your car. Remember, lots and parking resources will be filled so making a reservation at an off-site parking facility will help. Most of them take holiday reservations with a deposit.

Stay Informed. Stay in touch with real-time flight status on the airline’s web before heading to the airport. If you have an e-ticket the kiosks and skip ticket counter lines. Most airlines have these now so use them. Consider full-service curbside check-in if you have ski, snowboard, golf or sporting equipment.

Expect to stand in long lines. Expect planes to be jammed. On board stowage space will be critically limited so again, take only one small soft side bag to slip under the seat. If you are taking a gift leave it unwrapped. Most security checkpoints will now require you to unwrap wrapped gifts. Better yet, mail it on ahead a few days before your plane flight.

Driving

If you are hitting the road in your car and driving, make sure it’s in good working order. Check you oil, water, washer fluid and tire pressure. Make sure you pack emergency supplies in case you get stranded. Take fresh containers of drinking water. If you are in colder areas take blankets and warm jackets, tire chains de-icer.

Plan your trip so you do not return on Sunday. It’s not recommended to drive on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is the worst, most traffic-heavy day of the year.  Try leaving Saturday or staying through Monday.

Take games. Better yet, take movies. There’s no shame in a quiet, fight-free ride on the way home.

See you on the road!

Written by Cozette M. White

The post Get Ready The Smart Way For Your Thanksgiving Trip appeared first on Dr. Cozette M. White.