November is National Gratitude Month, a time to be thankful and show gratitude. Gratitude is a conscious, positive emotion someone can express when feeling thankful for something, whether tangible or intangible. Regularly practicing and expressing gratitude has many benefits, includes overpowering negative emotions, combating depression, and strengthening your brain.
Like any skill, gratitude can be learned and strengthened. Here are some tips on how to practice gratitude:
Each day, think of some things you are thankful for. Make it a daily habit to visualize what’s good in your life. This can directly impact your mood throughout the day, as well as your sleep quality.
Start a gratitude journal. Journaling can be an excellent self-therapy technique. A gratitude journal has been proven to activate brain areas that are related to morality and positive emotions.
Thank someone new every week. How often do we take the time to express gratitude more consciously or thoughtfully? Give yourself the purpose of choosing someone new each week and learn how to express gratitude differently.
Meditate. When it comes to gratitude, meditation can take us as deep as it gets. It promotes acceptance, detachment, forgiveness, and thus, gratitude.
Focus more on others’ intentions. When you receive a gift or a nice gesture from someone, consider how they intended to bring good into your life. Take a moment to visualize their wiliness to help you, make you feel happy, or be there for you in a challenging moment
P.S. Project Pneuma is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
