As the year is coming to an end, many of us are feeling the building stress in our lives as we work to meet deadlines and prepare for the holidays. Sometimes this stress can weigh on our shoulders and make it difficult to really focus and put our hearts into our work.

The other day a friend of mine and I were discussing some of the tribulations of our days when it hit us – focusing on the stress was actually holding us back in our daily endeavors. My friend suggested a new tactic – thanksgiving! We took a few minutes to think about the things in our lives that we are thankful for. The instant repose was so gratifying. It was such a simple but successful way to open our eyes to the blessings in our lives and to how much we were limiting ourselves.

So the next time you’re feeling weighed down with the trials of your day, take a deep breath, relax, and remember that thanksgiving doesn’t have to be just one day a year.

Author: Amanda Butterworth

Amanda is Director, Creative Services for Gibson Design Management. As the resident geek of GDM, she works closely on all graphic and web design for the company. When Amanda's not spending her time learning the newest trends in web design and social media, you can find her playing volleyball, at the beach or on the slopes (depending on the season, of course), sipping on a martini with friends, or playing with her dog Bear.

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Tags: Amanda Butterworth, Gibson Design Management, Stress, Thanksgiving