Practice Thanks-Giving the Other 364 Days, Too
Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us yet again. I know, I can’t believe it either. The holidays bring up many feelings for us, and for some, those feelings are complex. We may be equal parts excited and stressed, joyful and grieving, overwhelmed and anticipating. Through it all, this is your reminder to stay grateful.
Gratitude is a state of being thankful, and while many of us focus on giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day, it’s actually something we can practice daily – with profound effects on our mood and mental health. Research consistently shows that practicing gratitude contributes to improved mood and optimism. When you spend time focusing on what you’re grateful for, your perspective naturally shifts from whatever was consuming your thoughts to a deeper appreciation of life’s blessings and a sense that things are going well for you.
This perspective shift is a powerful one, resulting in reduced stress and improved mood. When we direct our attention toward the good in our lives, it not only draws us away from dwelling on the negative but also empowers us to face life’s challenges with more resilience. We find ourselves feeling happier, with stronger self-esteem and a more positive sense of self. And believe it or not, when practiced consistently, gratitude can actually boost our overall satisfaction with life!
The benefits of gratitude extend beyond mental health to physical well-being. With reduced stress comes lower levels of cortisol (our stress hormone), which can strengthen our immune system and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and chronic illness.
How, then, do we make gratitude a daily practice? There are several ways, and none of them will take too much time out of your already busy schedule.
Keep a gratitude journal. Dedicate a journal specifically to writing about what you’re grateful for. You can find many gratitude-specific journals online and in stores that include prompts to help you get started. Or if you’d rather let your mind and pen roam free, any journal or notebook you have at home will work just fine. In this journal, spend time reflecting on the things you’re grateful to have in your life, moments from your day that brought you joy, or things you’re looking forward to with appreciation.
Share your gratitudes with loved ones. Talking about what we’re grateful for not only helps us reflect on our blessings but spreads positivity to others. Have conversations with friends and family that focus on the good things surrounding you. In my house, we share three things we’re each grateful for around the dinner table. On hard days, your gratitudes can be as simple as fresh water to drink or a comfortable bed to sleep in.
Engage in acts of kindness. Volunteer your time, help your neighbors and loved ones, and share your good fortune with those in need. Altruism is a natural stress reliever and mood booster.
Compliment others. Spread joy by telling others what you appreciate about them. You might acknowledge their strengths and talents, or simply compliment a stranger’s great haircut or lovely blouse. This focus on the positive uplifts both you as the giver and the person receiving the compliment.
Notice the beauty around you. There is beauty everywhere: in the smile on your loved ones’ faces, the belly laughs you share with friends, the sunset through the trees, and the sparkling snow on the ground. Take a mindful moment to savor these moments and hold them in your heart.
In the spirit of gratitude, I am grateful to you, dear reader, for allowing me to share my thoughts and acquired knowledge here with you. Wishing you all the joy life has to offer this holiday season and beyond!