Many of us spend much of November preparing, shopping, cooking, and spending Thanksgiving with friends and family - if we’re lucky. For others, it can be the beginning of a lonely time of year. There is one thing that can make the holidays feel less hectic or less lonely, focusing on gratitude. We tend to think gratitude benefits the person who is thanked, but science has proven that by focusing on the good things in your life, you will improve your mood, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. You may even notice increased self-esteem, and stronger relationships.
Gratitude also has physical benefits like helping you sleep better, lowering blood pressure, boosting your immune system, and reducing your risk of disease and chronic pain. With all of these emotional and physical benefits, it’s certainly worth trying some activities to increase your feelings of gratefulness. For example, put “Thanks” in Thanksgiving by asking everyone to write down three things for which they are thankful. You can read them aloud after dinner with your pumpkin pie. You can also try some or all of the Activities To Increase Gratitude.
If you’d like help finding gratitude in your life, One Source EAP can help with 24/7/365 access at 800-300-0628. All calls and services are strictly confidential.
Activities To Increase Gratitude
Try some of these exercises to increase your gratefulness and your own happiness.
- Keep a gratitude Journal about things, people, or situations for which you are thankful.
- Smile and practice saying “thank you” in a meaningful way.
- Write thank you notes.
- Recognize a colleague for helping with a project.
- Look for opportunities to feel grateful.
View more ideas from Positive Psychology.com.
Register For the November Seminar, “Thanksgiving: A Springboard to Gratitude”
Join the November One Source EAP 30-minute seminar, “Thanksgiving: A Springboard to Gratitude,” on Tuesday, November 19th at noon. Click here or scan the QR code to see the list of the remaining 2024 Monthly Seminars and register for one or both.
You can also watch a replay of the October seminar, “Crafting Your Path To A Longer, Healthier Life.”
Visit the seminar page on our website to review the NEW Seminar Catalog which includes several new workshops. Schedule a seminar for your team.
