Thankful to Be More Grateful
Thanksgiving is a day of embracing gratitude and reflecting on what we are grateful for. Studies show that implementing a practice of gratitude can enhance your mood and alter your mindset to embrace more positivity and confidence. Going around the table and sharing what you’re grateful for is a beautiful tradition for many families. However, gratitude is more than one day’s share to be effective. Feeling thankful is the foundation of gratitude. It involves acknowledging the good things in our lives—whether it’s a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or a simple moment of joy. Here are ways to gobble up some gratitude along with your turkey and pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving!
1. Gratitude Journaling: Any therapist loves recommending journaling as a coping mechanism. To put a grateful spin on it, write down things you feel grateful for each day. These things can be people, experiences or anything that brings you appreciation. You can even purchase gratitude journals with daily prompts if that appeals to you.
2. 3 Good Things: This exercise is so uplifting for a fresh headspace! Identify 3 good things that happened today. Some days this will be easier than others, but even on tough days something good happened. You just might have to reflect closer.
3. Daily Affirmations: A beautiful way to show yourself love and gratitude. When you’re getting ready for the day, look in the mirror and verbally say “I am…” to acknowledge your strengths and increase self confidence. I know this can be uncomfortable and even difficult to fill in the blank if your self talk is negative. An exercise I recommend to clients is to ask their closest friends and family for some help recognizing their best qualities. You can also do the same to spread kindness to your loved ones and show appreciation.
4. Random Acts of Kindness: Kindness matters and cost nothing to spread! Think how much it means to you when someone does something considerate or friendly with zero ulterior motive. Here are some ideas of simple RAOK; putting your grocery chart away so it doesn’t accidentally ram another vehicle, refilling your coworker’s coffee mug, holding the door open for a stranger, compliment someone, giving up your seat on public transportation for a pregnant or elderly person, pick up trash you see, etc. I also love the “pay it forward” mindset when you’re in line at a fast food joint or a coffee drive through and cover the person's order behind you. Remember- kindness can change the entire momentum of someone’s bad day.
5. Gratitude Meditations: Meditation is an intentional focus to any given topic. For this time of the year, gratitude should be a top pick to help clear your mind and clarify what you’re truly grateful for. Struggle to find the time? Check out this Get Inspired Blog, 5 Hacks for Fitting Meditation Into Your Day for more tips and tricks!
Thankfulness and gratitude can be easy to dismiss when the stress of our daily lives hits. However, when we consciously take time to notice and appreciate the good things, we invite a sense of peace and contentment into our lives. I hope these gratitude exercises expand kindness for yourself and others around you this season.
Get Inspired (and a second helping!),
Lauren
