Being Grateful

By Leigh Wood-Landry

Giving thanks has multiple benefits! Mindfully demonstrating gratitude helps us reduce stress, become more resilient, develop better relationships, sleep more peacefully, gain empathy, and have better self-esteem. Consider these simple ways of living more gratefully…

Keeping a gratitude journal can help you notice and remember the good moments, and the strengths you’d like to continue building. What you’re thankful for could vary from a relationship, exciting travel experience or fitness milestone to an especially beautiful sunset, or the perfect cup of coffee or tea to start your day.

Creating a gratitude jar is a wonderful family activity. Drop notes of gratitude into a jar, and read them to one another every couple of months, at Thanksgiving dinner, or before ringing in a new year.

Most people appreciate being thanked and recognized for making a positive impact. Let’s bring back thank-you notes!

A “gratitude walk” can be cathartic. Take time to be present as you shift your focus from anything weighing on your mind to the beauty in your surroundings, and the boost that comes with moving your body.