Last year today, we were grateful for a set of endless blessings, but this year, given the pandemic, we're most thankful for our health, family, and survival.
We are reminded of the survival of the most mentally/emotionally fittest!
Historically, Thanksgiving represents the celebration of the fall harvest and is celebrated in the United States and Canada to honor the previous year's harvest and blessings. And let's also remember the turkey, which became Thanksgiving's icon.
Despite the spirituality this day represents, it might be hard to feel thankful at times or acknowledge the blessings we have around.
We hear you!
Today we bring you crucial tips to help you self-reflect and practice gratitude.
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." Eckhart Tolle
Science shows that even if you couldn't think of anything you are grateful for, merely asking the question “What am I most grateful for right now?” will enhance your brain's chemistry. When we express and receive gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions. These neurotransmitters act just like medications and antidepressants, making us feel better and enhance our mood instantly.
Over time, this helps you focus on your NOW, build clarity and motivation, and develop constructive visions instead of destructive ones. The more you stimulate the happy part of your brain the easier gratitude gets!
"God gave you a gift of 86400 seconds today, please use one to say Thank You."
We know things might be challenging , and you might not be okay. Find one thing you are grateful for because you can.
In fact, you just need a unique key technique: SELF-DISCIPLINE. Want to reach that? Here are our top 3 tips:
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Practice a Self-Check
Begin your day by asking questions like
- How grateful do I feel right now on a scale of 0-10?
- What have I received from ____ and given to _____?
- How am I spending my day?
- Am I being grateful or nagging throughout the day?
- What energy am I carrying along my day?
Reflect on your answers, and explore the possibilities that your day could offer.
Always remember, the way you start your morning will follow through your entire day.
It matters how you start!
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Share Your Gratitude
Expressing gratitude can do wonders! It can help you connect with others and strengthen your relationships. Moreover, this helps clarify your mind and grounds your feelings.
Therefore, when your parents, partner, or friend practice something you're grateful for, make sure you let them know.
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Keep a gratitude journal
Make this your daily practice to mention all the good things, people, and moments you're thankful for. Mention at least 5 events that made you feel grateful every day. Recalling these memories later on will help you boost your mood and practice appreciation.
Make sure to decorate your journal with colorful pens, stickers, or craft papers to give it your special touch. Make the journaling more of an experience rather than a daily practice.
Want inspiration? Here's our gratitude journal one-day template.