Gratitude
November is National Gratitude Month. After all that’s happened this year, it’s more important than ever to find things to be grateful for and to show gratitude. Most of us are grateful for friends, family, career, health, etc- but gratitude isn’t just about these big things. You can be grateful for technology that has allowed working/learning from home, the time this year that you were able to focus on your goals, or even that the year is almost over.
Practicing gratitude has been shown to have a positive impact on overall health by decreasing stress and anxiety. It helps us keep positive attitudes and enhances optimism, which makes us easier to be around and can help our relationships. During this stressful year- our relationships are so important.
Ideas on How to Show Gratitude
- Start a gratitude journal. Count your blessings daily. Include little things like a nice quote you heard, or a pretty bird you saw on your commute.
- Write thank you cards to people you are grateful for- your employees, mail carriers, family members, friends, etc.
- Adopt a family this holiday season, donate to your local food bank/shelter, or host a coat drive.
- Make someone’s day. Pay it forward by buying their coffee. Hold the door for someone behind you. Ask a cashier how their day is going. Smile!
- Make a plan for your Thanksgiving celebration to include a gratitude practice. Share what you’re grateful for around the table or let people who can’t be with you know that you are grateful for them by calling or writing.
It’s no coincidence that gratitude month and Thanksgiving are both in November. The end of the year is such a great time to reflect on what we are grateful and thankful for. We encourage you to implement a gratitude practice this month and see how being grateful can have a positive impact on the upcoming holiday season and your life.
