Get Active
Based on my informal survey, the typical American Thanksgiving routine seems to consist of cooking, eating, visiting, more eating, and then collapsing in a tired, fat pile. Why do we do this to ourselves year after year? It's time to get off our duffs and incorporate a little activity into this gluttonous ritual.

Hiking is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to bask in Mother Nature's glow. No matter where you live, you're bound to be in close proximity to a municipal trail, state park, national forest, or even just a set of railroad tracks. So whether traveling with a gaggle of cousins or just your trusty pooch, bundle up and head out! Remember to pack warm clothes and rain gear, no matter what the weather report says. Finally, fill your backpack with nourishment for the trail. A nice hunk of cheddar, an apple, and some bread will suffice; then again, this could be a prime occasion for an elaborate picnic!

There are some games that nearly everyone, no matter how hopelessly uncoordinated, can play. Softball and kickball are two such games. Organizing a pre-meal game is an excellent way to rally a grumpy group of relatives into a spirited, jovial (and yes, hungry) crowd. If you're playing with a group of adult friends, consider the irreverent "sloshball," a twist on kickball that requires runners to pound a beer each time they round second base. Just remember to keep someone sober enough to take the turkey out of the oven.

Counting your blessings is the major focus of Thanksgiving—and a fundamental teaching of yoga. What better time, then, for a group yoga session? Most major cities have at least one studio that sponsors a Thanksgiving yoga session. But if you're stuck someplace that doesn't, initiate your own. Whether you lead your nieces through a simple round of poses before dinner, or organize a formal session at a local studio, this year say Grace with your body and your mind.