After the joy of Thanksgiving, many people feel an unexpected wave of fatigue due to part food, part stress, part schedule chaos.
Between travel, heavy meals, and social energy, your body is asking for recovery.
Here are five thanksgiving wellness tips backed by health experts to help you restore energy, feel centered, and ease back into healthy habits this season.
1. Rehydrate to Rebalance
Even mild dehydration can lower energy, mood, and focus, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Staying hydrated supports digestion and circulation which are two systems often challenged during rich holiday meals.
Simple ways to stay refreshed:
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Begin your day with warm lemon water or herbal tea.
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Keep a glass of water at your desk or bedside.
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Snack on hydrating foods such as citrus, cucumber, or greens.
A small habit like this is at the heart of holiday health care - caring for yourself before fatigue sets in.
2. Balance Your Plate to Beat the Slump
Wondering, “Does eating turkey make you tired?”
The answer, according to Pharmacy Times, is not entirely.
The real reason behind a thanksgiving food coma or turkey coma is overindulgence and a spike in blood sugar.
Try these healthy holiday tips:
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Focus on portion control and slow, mindful eating.
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Include lean protein, fiber, and nutrient-rich foods for stable energy.
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Enjoy wholesome meals like roasted veggies and whole grains.
When you tune in to what your body needs, you’ll know how to eat healthy on Thanksgiving and every meal that follows.
For gentle nutrition ideas, visit 5 Foods to Boost Your Sleep.
3. Move Lightly, Breathe Deeply
Movement is medicine. The American Heart Association recommends regular exercise and movement breaks to ease holiday stress and boost mood.
Try this deep breathing rhythm:
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6. Pair it with a short walk or stretch to invite calm and better digestion.
A few minutes of physical activity also helps regulate hormones and prevent that sleepy “why do you get sleepy after eating turkey” feeling.
Looking for quiet nighttime stretches? Try Simple Bedtime Yoga and Yoga Room Style Ideas to Relax.
4. Protect Your Calm and Energy
For many people, managing holiday stress means learning to set boundaries and plan ahead.
Psychologist Dr. Emanuel Maidenberg from UCLA Health encourages focusing on meaningful activities and skipping what drains you.
Practical ways to support yourself:
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Schedule downtime between gatherings.
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Create space for meditation or a quiet gratitude practice.
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Choose connection over perfection - quality social support beats quantity.
Soft lighting, cozy textures, and quiet rituals help create holiday stress relief without overextending.
For design inspiration, explore Mindfulness for Sleep: How to Style a Calmer Bedroom.
5. Rebuild Rest and Encourage Restorative Sleep
Quality sleep is the body’s natural recovery tool. A consistent sleep routine helps regulate energy, emotions, and digestion.
Simple adjustments make a big difference:
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Limit caffeine and screens in the evening.
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Keep your bedroom cool and uncluttered.
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Embrace self-care through sensory comfort — breathable fabrics, soft light, and quiet.
Choose bedding that supports natural balance. Olive + Crate’s TENCEL™ Eucalyptus sheets and comforters are made from sustainably sourced, OEKO-TEX® certified fibers that stay cool against the skin and promote restful, planet-friendly sleep.
When your space feels calm, your body follows.
A Softer Way to Move Through the Season
You don’t have to do more to feel better. You simply need to do less with intention. Hydrate, breathe, rest, and give yourself permission to slow down.
True comfort begins where intention meets craftsmanship. Olive + Crate exists for that space, where slowing down feels natural again.
Design a space that supports restorative sleep with our bedding collection, and join our VIP Black Friday List for early access to offers designed for restorative sleep.
