Gratitude is something we often take for granted at Thanksgiving, then leave at the doorstep as we rush into Black Friday and the holiday season. We aspire for joy that is supposed to be the hallmark of the holiday season, but without continuing gratitude, we can easily fall into busyness, stress, worry, and complaining.
What if this year we make the practice of "thanks-giving" last more than one day? Gratitude journals have become more and more popular of late and are one great way to make this happen. You can decide how you want to implement your gratitude journal, by keeping it simple or making it into a game of sorts. You can use a journal, notepad, or the notes section on your phone. Here are some ideas:
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- Write down 3 things you are grateful for each morning as soon as you wake up and 3 things each evening before you go to bed.
- Use the day of the month to guide how many things you list each day. November 23, for example, you would see if you could list 23 things.
- Each time you notice yourself complaining, pull out your gratitude journal and write something you are thankful for.
- Tell at least one person a day you are thankful for them.
There is a host of research showing the benefits of gratitude, such as improvements in physical health, self-esteem, relationships, and even sleep. See what benefits you notice in your own life as you practice gratitude.
