Here we are again… late November and Thanksgiving just a few days away. You may have given lots of thought to where you’re traveling to, what family or friends you will be seeing, and of course the food you will be cooking, bringing and eating!
But what about the “thanks” in Thanksgiving. How much time have you given to consider what you are grateful for? From the smallest gifts like your morning coffee, to the larger gifts of the wonderful people in your life, this time of year is a great reminder to tune into all of the ways we can be grateful.
It’s also a good time to considering kicking off a whole year of increased gratitude! Being grateful is good for your health and wellbeing, and it’s a skill that all of us can learn and improve upon.
How is gratitude “good for us”?
Our health: Gratitude can benefit both our physical and mental health. Studies show expressing gratitude can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve quality of sleep. One study done with asymptomatic heart failure patients demonstrated that being grateful can reduce the markers of cardiac risk.
Our relationships: Gratitude can help to improve relationships and make new ones. The good feeling that arises when someone expresses their thanks or appreciation often helps you to bond with that person. At work, expressing gratitude toward a colleague can help them to feel valued, and lead to a better work culture. A study done by Workhuman found that the employees who were “recognized” felt more gratitude and had lower stress levels. That same study stated “Doubling down on gratitude has the potential to drive greater civility and decrease toxicity”. We could ALL use more of that.
Here are 5 ways to practice and increase your gratitude.
Even if you just choose one, you will start to realize the benefits to your health and happiness. And that is something to be grateful for!
- Keep a couple of blank note cards with you to write a thank you note or a general note of appreciation whenever you see fit. How many times have you thought “I should write a thank you note, or let that person know I am grateful” but never did it? This is a great time to begin that practice.
- Share with your partner, or a good friend, why you are grateful for them and what you appreciate about them. We all love to know how or why someone appreciates us. Practice letting those you care about know why you think they are wonderful. You will make their day, and this joy will come back to you in many ways.
- Pay it forward in line at your local coffee shop, or at a toll booth! This happened to me once on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco! Although this doesn’t work with new electronic tolls, try buying a coffee for the person in line behind you, and see how good it makes you feel!
- Tell a manager when an employee has done a great job. When you’re doing errands, eating at a restaurant, or just going about your daily routine, let someone know they’re doing a great job. But don’t stop there, also let their manager know or send a note to the business. Everyone wins when you let someone know they are appreciated.
- Start a gratitude Journal. Make it a nightly ritual to write down 5 things for which you are grateful. As you write each item down take a few moments to FEEL the gratitude in your heart, not just in your head. Doing it right before bed can also help you sleep better. Recalling why you are grateful can help you foster a positive mindset which is always a great way to go to sleep.
Gratitude feels wonderful, and it’s contagious. How about this as a thought for the holiday season this year: Spread Gratitude, not Covid!
From all of us at The Gentle Place, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. May you feel the abundance of all you have to be grateful for!
With gratitude for all you have done for us,
Donna and the The Gentle Place Team