1-Minute Tip: Take a minute to think about what you’re thankful for, and share it with your friends and family. Practicing this simple positive thinking exercise will decrease your stress and get you ready for the day.
5-Minute Tip: Put out fresh cut flowers for you and your Thanksgiving guests! New research shows that people report feeling happier and more energetic after looking at flowers – and they’ll make your abode smell fresh.
15-Minute Tip: Eat breakfast! Don’t try to ‘save up’ calories for the Thanksgiving meal – you’ll end up overindulging. Start the day with a filling breakfast like hot whole-grain cereal or an egg white omelet with veggies.
30-Minute Tip: Thanksgiving means turkey! But when handled or prepared improperly, poultry can spread bacteria, resulting in foodborne illness. Thaw the turkey slowly in the refrigerator or cold water, according to instructions. Be sure to take the time to clean any surface the turkey has come in contact with thoroughly. Opt for cooking stuffing outside of the turkey rather than inside, to be sure the turkey cooks all the way through. Use a food thermometer – a turkey that has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees is safe to eat.
This article first appeared in the November 2015 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
