Keep Moving, Keep Grateful: Staying Active Through Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks — often for family, friends, and good food. But it’s also the perfect opportunity to give gratitude to the most important thing that keeps us moving through life: our bodies.
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we know how easy it is for busy schedules, cold weather, and holiday indulgences to derail your movement routine. That’s why we’re sharing strategies to stay active, prevent injury, and feel your best through the holiday season — all while embracing gratitude for the gift of movement.
Why Gratitude Matters for Staying Active
Research shows that practicing gratitude isn’t just good for your mental health — it also impacts your physical health and performance. When you appreciate what your body can do:
You’re more likely to stay consistent with movement.
Your mindset shifts from “I have to exercise” to “I get to move.”
You reduce stress, which can improve sleep, recovery, and energy levels.
Taking a moment each day to reflect on your body’s capabilities — walking, lifting, stretching, running, or playing with loved ones — helps build a sustainable, healthy relationship with movement.
5 Tips to Keep Moving This Thanksgiving
1. Plan Short, Intentional Workouts
Even 10–20 minutes of focused movement counts. Try a quick home circuit, a brisk walk before your meal, or dynamic stretches while watching football.
2. Prioritize Mobility and Warm-Up
Holiday stress and cold weather can stiffen joints and muscles. Spend 5–10 minutes warming up with:
Cat-Cow stretches for the spine
3. Walk and Play with Family
Instead of sitting for hours after your meal, suggest a post-dinner family walk, a backyard football toss, or a hike. Moving with loved ones strengthens both body and connection.
4. Strengthen While You Wait
Short “micro workouts” can be done in the kitchen while cooking:
Even a few reps here and there add up over the day.
5. Listen to Your Body
Thanksgiving is not the time to push through pain. Respect your body’s limits, take breaks when needed, and prioritize recovery — hydration, stretching, and rest.
Staying Injury-Free During the Holidays
The holidays often come with more activity, lifting heavy cookware, or extra walking on uneven surfaces. Protect yourself by:
Using proper lifting mechanics
Warming up before physical activity
Stretching after long meals or walks
Incorporating daily mobility exercises
Small steps today prevent injuries tomorrow, keeping you active for years to come.
Gratitude + Movement = Long-Term Health
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, our goal is to help athletes, weekend warriors, and active adults stay active, recover faster, and perform stronger — for life.
This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to:
Appreciate your body’s ability to move
Stay consistent with short workouts and mobility routines
Include family and friends in physical activity
Focus on gratitude as part of your wellness practice
Remember: Movement is a gift. Gratitude makes it meaningful.
Keep Moving, Stay Grateful
If aches, pains, or nagging injuries are limiting your holiday activity, our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy can help you:
Recover faster from past injuries
Build strength and mobility for safe movement
Develop a personalized winter activity plan
Book a session today and make this Thanksgiving a season of gratitude, health, and movement.
