Fall is almost over and winter is coming. This time of year can feel a little bit grim and grey, especially once the holidays are past. But it can also be a time for powerful change and growth.

First things first, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. But I know the day itself can sometimes be stressful, so I would encourage everyone to take this weekend and really relax. Eat leftovers, watch some good movies and get some sleep!

Thanksgiving can be difficult because we’re often trying to fit so much into one day. We want to cook and eat and spend time with family and friends and distant relations, and do it all with an air of good cheer. But the most important part of Thanksgiving is something we don’t need to fit into one day, but rather, can be woven into every day of our lives.

I’m talking, of course, about gratitude.

Many of us struggle with stress on a regular basis. This time of year, with the holidays fast approaching and the recent election just behind us, can be especially stressful. 

I want to share some concrete suggestions for reducing your stress and increasing your relaxation.

My dad likes to talk about living in eights. “Eight hours work, eight hours play, eight hours sleep,” he says. I  think this is a great guideline to live by.