Benefits of Daily Gratitude
COVID-19 has taken away a lot of things we would normally look forward to. It’s easy to focus on the negative in a situation like this. But one of the greatest tools we have is our mind, and by practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive we can offset some of the stress of the pandemic. According to Harvard University, practicing gratitude leads to more positive emotions and greater happiness. Taking the time each day to think about what brings you joy in your life can be an excellent way to manage stress and cultivate happiness. Here are some ways you can practice gratitude:
Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to make daily gratitude a habit. The 7-minute journal comes in a hard copy or phone app and makes practicing gratitude easy. Alternatively, you can use any notebook or a notes app on your phone and list three things (or more!) each day that you feel grateful for. It can be anything from your morning cup of coffee to your job or your loved ones. Be creative!
If you don’t have time to sit and write, taking a few moments just to think about it can still be beneficial. Maybe your commute to work or when you are brushing your teeth could be a time you designate for thoughts of gratitude.
Call or text a loved one and tell them how grateful you are to have them in your life. Not only will it make you feel thankful, but it will also make them feel really appreciated and loved.
If you are religious, praying can be a gratitude practice. When you pray, be sure to take some time to include all of the things you are thankful for.
Make it a point to thank a stranger. When you go somewhere like the grocery store, try to remember to thank the cashier or anyone else who helps you. Be sincere and try to really think about how much you appreciate their help. You could thank your post-person, garbage-person, or food-delivery person. Spread the gratitude around.
Take some time to thank yourself. Show yourself some gratitude and self-love with a bubble bath or a favorite activity, like yoga, a good movie, or a favorite sport. Set an intention to treat yourself and try to be mindful while you do it.
The benefits of gratitude are far-reaching. Being thankful can reduce stress, increase happiness, improve your sleep, increase empathy and even improve your physical health. It’s a simple and quick practice that can really alter your day-to-day experiences in a positive way.
Jessica Dubauskas