Each year, there’s one day in November that we spend counting our blessings. And although Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder of how truly blessed you are, it doesn’t start and stop there. Thanksgiving 2020 may be over, but why not keep the gratitude going?
Studies have shown that gratitude is associated with more optimism, positive emotions, the ability to deal with adversity, and better overall well-being. When we practice gratitude year-round, we choose to focus on the things that fulfill us rather than the things that aggravate us. This year, during the pandemic, you may feel you have plenty of things to annoy and irritate you, but you also have the power to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.
Now more than ever, it will serve you well to focus on gratitude. It’ll provide a buffer for adversity and strengthen your relationships. Here are three ways you can practice gratitude (even when it’s difficult!).
1. Focus on the past
Reflect on memories and experiences that you’ve had in the past that you cherish. For example, did you travel somewhere in the past year or so right before the lockdown? What are some memories from those vacations that you can remember fondly?
Or, if you’re missing family or friends, when was the last time you were gathered together? Reflect on the happiest moments from that gathering. Send some text messages reminding those people of those moments and brighten their day as well.
2. Focus on the present
The pandemic makes it easy to worry about the future, but you’re living right now. What can you be grateful for at this very moment? Do you have food on your table, a roof over your head, a healthy body, or some of your family and friends around you? Even if you only have a portion of what you’d like to have, you still have something. Don’t forget that!
3. Focus on the future
This time will not last forever – even if the last nine months have seemed to drag on. Show gratitude for the future and all the things you hope to do. You can write these things down or call a friend you hope to share them with. Do this with optimism – it will not always be like it is today.
Final thoughts
Practicing gratitude does not come naturally to everyone at first, and initially, it may feel inauthentic and forced. It will begin to feel more natural the more you practice it! Knowing that it can improve your life and prepare you for the future is all the more reason to do it.
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