Grateful For You 🦃

November has arrived with its own unique charm: leaves falling to the ground, the air turning crisper, and Thanksgiving just around the corner. This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 23rd. Though turkey and pumpkin pie may be top-of-mind, nearly 2/3 of Americans feel the true meaning of the holiday is simply spending time with family. Need a conversation starter for your Thanksgiving meal? Impress your guests with these fun Thanksgiving facts.

Take a deep breath on November 1st for National Stress Awareness Day. Chronic stress can lead to life-threatening health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and decreased immunity. With the holiday rush and end of the year approaching, it’s especially important to take time this month to relax and learn ways to remove stress from your day-to-day. Check out these healthy tips to reduce stress.

Much of the United States will “fall” back an hour on Sunday, November 5th, as Daylight Savings Time ends. Though many will adjust to the time change with minimal impact, others may struggle. The extra hour of darkness in the evening can also lead to low energy and negatively affect our moods. Here are some helpful tips on how you can adjust more smoothly:

• Keep your bedtime consistent to ensure you get the proper amount of sleep, aiming to get 7-8 hours a night.
• Practice good habits in the evening, such as avoiding caffeine or alcohol and turning off electronic devices well before bedtime, to improve your sleep quality.
• Disruptions to sleep can affect eating patterns and cause us to overeat. Try to keep dinnertime consistent, and if you do need to snack, choose a high-protein option over carbs.
• Make the effort to be outside in the daylight as much as possible. If needed, bundle up to take a morning walk or plan to do outdoor activities in the early afternoon. Light can help increase serotonin in your brain, which can help you have more energy and improve your mood.
• If you’re still struggling with sleep, taking a short nap is OK. But be sure to snooze for no longer than 20 minutes. A quick cat nap can help restore lost sleep hours.

Check out this article for more tips on adjusting to the time change and shortened daylight.

In this season of thanks, we are incredibly grateful to our veterans and their families for their sacrifices. Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11th. Originally called Armistice Day in recognition of the end of World War I, the day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize veterans of all wars. Looking for a way to celebrate? You can attend a parade honoring veterans, write letters of gratitude to service members, or volunteer at a veteran’s hospital or assisted living facility. A few minutes of your time can mean so much to others!

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday shopping season. However, in recent years, many retailers have begun launching their Black Friday deals earlier and stretching them well beyond the holiday weekend. Last year’s Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, even surpassed Black Friday as the biggest shopping day of the holiday season. As you check off your loved ones’ holiday lists, don’t forget to support local businesses as well. By shopping on Small Business Saturday, November 25th, your dollars stay in the community and help it thrive. If you’re considering a more meaningful gift, donate to a nonprofit organization on behalf of a loved one on Giving Tuesday, November 28th. Both offer excellent opportunities to make an impact!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the significance of our relationships and the many blessings we have in our lives. At the top of the list, we are truly thankful for clients like you. We are honored to provide support through your financial journey and look forward to the opportunities the future may bring. As always, if you have any questions about your finances, don’t hesitate to reach out. We wish you a November filled with the love of family and friends, delicious food, and a heart full of gratitude.