Who's ready for Thanksgiving? I know I am. Before we dive into a sea of gravy and mashed potatoes, it might do a little good to take some time to reflect. A couple weeks back, we touched on how practicing gratitude can help you achieve peace and promised to share more on the topic before Thanksgiving. Well, here it is! Read on to find out the many different ways you can practice gratitude to bolster a more positive outlook on life and ultimately improve your mental health.
It must be said--we at PBI are incredibly thankful for you! Thank you for enjoying our CLE and taking the time to read this blog. Have a warm, safe holiday, and be sure to eat plenty of food!
Start a journal. One of the most popular methods of practicing gratitude is having a gratitude journal. Put aside a little bit of time each day, perhaps before you drift off to sleep, to ponder three things that made you happy that day. Big or small; anything that made you smile. You could also write about what you are grateful for in the grander scheme of things. There are no rules. Make an effort to add journaling to your routine and you will find yourself feeling happier in the long run. Before you know it, you have a book of warm memories and simple joys to look back on.
If writing is not your style, try making a "vision board" instead. Fill it with inspiring quotes, images, and reminders that will help you stay appreciative of each day.
Create a gratitude jar. The new year isn't too far off and if you're looking for a new resolution to try out, here's an idea. Instead of writing what you're thankful for into a journal, write these special moments down on little scraps of paper to put into a jar. Watch the jar grow fuller as the year goes by. Then, at the end of the year, pop open the jar and soak in all the good things that happened to you throughout the year. This is a wonderful exercise to do with the whole family. Or, if you find yourself faced with a particularly challenging day, feel free to sift through the jar for a bit of comfort and nostalgia.
Take reflective walks. It's time to head outside for a brief digital detox! Put aside the phone and your earbuds to truly immerse yourself in nature and take in the world around you. During your walk, take time to meditate on what you are grateful for and what challenges you have overcome during your life. Pay special attention to what you see, hear, and feel during this walk. Revel in the warmth of the sun or the pitter-patter of rain on your umbrella. Admire the seasonal decorations on your neighbor's porch. Listen to the birds and note the many different kind of flowers you may stumble across. Their beauty is brief; they won't be here forever, but their memory can last a lifetime. Enjoy every moment.
Express gratitude. A simple word of thanks can go a long way with others. It's a great little habit to foster positivity and form mutual respect. If you'd like to go the extra mile, get some fun post-its and write thank-you notes for your loved ones. Or if that's not your style, keep it to a simple text message. We don't tell our loved ones often enough what they mean to us. If you take the time to express your gratitude, you might find yourself receiving it back, which is a wonderful feeling.
Volunteer. Nothing feels better than giving back to your community or donating to a cause you believe in. Working with the needy also serves a reminder of how little some people have, what is truly important in life, and everything you have to be thankful for. The holidays are the perfect time to give back and experience fulfillment from these acts of kindness.
The PBA has plenty of volunteer opportunities in which you can share your legal expertise with young people or assist your neighbors in need. Learn more here!
Happy Thanksgiving from PBI!
