We tend to slide back into our usual ways and become less deliberate about practicing gratitude, even when we understand the benefits. Here are 6 things to try this holiday season.
| Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. | | | The holidays often inspire us to pause and reflect on the things for which we're most grateful. Doing so helps us appreciate what we have, and when we vocalize our gratitude it can help others feel good, too. As amazing and quick-hitting as the benefits are, though, over time we tend to slide back into our usual ways and become less deliberate about practicing gratitude. | | | You don't have to wait for circumstances to bring this feeling to you—there are things you can do in your life to proactively create feelings of gratitude for yourself with the experiences you already have." | | Research tells us that actively practicing gratitude can benefit both our mind and body. It triggers the production of both dopamine and oxytocin, which can make us feel happy and can help regulate our overall mood.
Over the long term, consistently practicing gratitude can reduce our stress levels, improve our immunity, strengthen our relationships, and generate a more positive outlook on life in general. | | When referring to gratitude practice it really is just that—practice. We must be intentional when cultivating gratitude so it can become an effortless part of our daily lives. The more often you flex that gratitude muscle, the easier the habit becomes.
Here are some simple ways you can be more intentional: - Write down something you're grateful for every night before you go to sleep, and/or every morning when you wake up.
- Vocalize your gratitude by telling others how and why you appreciate them or something they've done anytime you feel thankful. You don't need to wait for the perfect moment!
- Try loving-kinding meditation, a type of meditation that helps you revel in feelings of gratitude.
- Take visual stock of your surroundings to help remind yourself of your blessings.
- Steer away from harsh or unnecessary comparisons. Feelings of inferiority or superiority can sour true joy.
- Remind yourself that even the difficult people in your life are there for you to love, not to fix. Switching to this mindset can help you connect more with others and focus on their good qualities.
| | Ways to Stay Positive This Week | | | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | This week, take 5 minutes to reach out to someone in your life that you love and appreciate. Express to them, in clear words, why you're grateful they're in your life. | -
Written by author, teacher, and pioneer in integrative medicine, Deepak Chopra's "Mindful Moments" is a quiet read that will prompt you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what you value to cultivate a more intentional life. | | | |
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