Focus for This Month

Gratitude

November is National Gratitude Month

You might ask why should you be grateful. The simple answer is that gratitude is a simple way for you to exercise self-care.

Gratitude has been shown to enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall level of health and wellbeing. Grateful people tend to have fewer stress-related illnesses and experience less depression and lowered blood pressure. Additionally, people who practice gratitude tend to be more physically fit, happier, and have more satisfying personal and professional relationships.

Here are some ways you can practice gratitude.

• Start a gratitude journal. Write about someone or something you're thankful for every day. It doesn't have to be profound so don't think too much about it. It can be gratitude because you witnessed a beautiful sunset, or smiled at a stranger and it was returned. When you read your journal later, you will remember those moments or people and experience a bit of gratitude again.

• Share your gratitude with others. Letting someone know you're grateful for their care, service, or friendship can lift their spirits or lift a burden. You can be the difference needed at that time.

• Show your appreciation by giving back to your community, neighborhood, or favorite organization.

• Practice a gratitude mindfulness meditation once a week in November.

I am sure you can think of other ways as well.