The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is around the corner and many families still go around the dinner table and say something they are thankful for. Why do we do this? Well, it makes us feel good. It’s also a reminder that no matter how much we may feel lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there is always a reason to be grateful.
Thankful and grateful are two words that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between these two things. Being thankful is a feeling and being grateful is an action. So how can we take those warm and fuzzy feelings of thankfulness and put them into actions? Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate gratitude into your holiday season.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Establish a daily routine in which you take time to remind yourself of the things that you are grateful for. They can be bigger things such as having a stable home to smaller things like getting the perfect cup of coffee.
- Remember the Bad: To be grateful in your current place, it is helpful to remember the hard times that you once experienced and how far you have come.
- Share Your Gratitude with Others: Gratitude is very beneficial for relationships. Let friends or family members know that you appreciate them. Because – let’s be honest – who doesn’t like to feel appreciated?
- Be Grateful Mindfully: Showing gratitude can include smiling, saying thank you, and small acts of kindness. Do these things being fully present in the moment versus just going through the motions.
- Reflect on the Past Year: When we reach the holiday season, we often find ourselves looking ahead to what the new year will bring. Take the time to reflect on this past year, the struggles you overcame, the great experiences you had and everything in between.
No matter what your holiday season looks like, remember that there is always something to be grateful for. Take the time to incorporate more gratitude into your life during holiday season and beyond. And if you need some extra support, there’s always someone here at Spectrum Health who is here to help.
Ashley Pajor
Clinician