The holiday season is here — the time of year known for family gatherings, spending time with loved ones, enjoying cherished recipes and exchanging gifts. While the holidays can be a magical time of year, for some people they may lead to sadness, stress, anxiety and depression.
Practicing gratitude and giving thanks is consistently associated with greater happiness. And doing so may improve your health. Gratitude also can help you feel positive emotions, cope with adversity and strengthen relationships.
The benefits of practicing gratitude may include
- lower blood pressure
- improved immune function
- improved sleep
- lower lifetime risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders and
- improved overall well-being.
Practicing gratitude
Gratitude starts with recognizing what you’re grateful for and acknowledging and appreciating it. Here are a few ideas for you to try:
- Write a thank-you note to someone you’re thankful for. Let that person know their impact on your life. You might want to share with them how they’ve guided, inspired or supported you and how much they mean to you.
- Practice acts of kindness by volunteering time to help those less fortunate with the bonus that your mood and gratitude may improve.
- Keep a gratitude journal that helps you focus on the ordinary events and valued people in your life that bring you joy and contentment. Even if you’re short on time, simply jot down 3 things you’re grateful for at the end of each day.
- Start a gratitude jar and include notes for what you’re grateful for throughout the holiday months — you can even have your family and friends participate. At the end of the year, look back to appreciate all the good in your life.
- Try a 5- or 10-minute mindfulness meditation, focusing on the present moment without judgment and feeling grateful for the people, places and things in your life.
No matter which holidays you’re celebrating this season, practicing gratitude, recognizing and appreciating what’s good in your life, and giving back to others may help you live Life. Inspired.
