Why is it important to have an attitude of gratitude especially during the holiday season?
"Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Certainly, major depression or a severe anxiety disorder benefits most from professional help. But what about those who just feel lost or overwhelmed or down at this time of year? Research (and common sense) suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it's built right into the holiday — being grateful."
Research has proven it. "In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships."
Both quotes from an article from Harvard Medical School - Read more here
7 ways of practicing gratitude on regular basis
Every night before bed think about three things of that day that you are grateful for.
Keep a daily/weekly gratitude journal, set a time of the day or day of the week to write in it
Meditate and while you meditate, thank yourself for all everything good in your life and people in your life
This one is a difficult one, I plan to do it sometime in my life - handwrite notes to people you are grateful to
Make a gratitude jar and drop a note whenever you think of who or what you are grateful for
Paint 5 gratitude rocks - every month or every week
Create a physical space in your home that brings peace to you, use this space as your gratitude corner. this is where you can do your gratitude practice. whenever you will look at this corner you will think gratitude.
Holiday season is a great opportunity to start a gratitude practice if you already don't do it. Don't wait for New Years to make a resolution. Right now is always a right time to start.
On a topic of gratitude I have to mention how grateful I am to have dance in my life. I look forward to meeting my dance friends and community, smiling with them laughing with them and of course dancing with them.
Can you think of more ways of practicing gratitude? Please add to the list!