CMFMAG TeamAs the world enters its third year of the pandemic, many can be quick to point fingers at all the negative things around us. However, there is always a bright side to everything and many of us have a great deal to be grateful for as well.
Cultivating gratefulness is a habit that takes practice but once achieved, it can help us to get through even the darkest of times. Here are five worthwhile tips on how to cultivate gratefulness:
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where you are and what you are doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is happening around you. If you struggle with Mindfulness, a good book is Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. It is a life-changing best seller. If you are looking for an app Calm or Headspace are two good ones. There is free trial offered.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Whether you use a leather-bound journal or a spiral-bound notebook, keeping track of what you are grateful each day will leave you feeling appreciative or thankful for what you have in your life. You can keep it simple and list five events or things that happened to you during the day that you are grateful for every night.
Obstacle or Opportunity
When you are faced with a challenge, you can look at it as an obstacle or an opportunity. We can’t control events, but we can control our attitude when facing the challenge. Focus on what you can do to solve the problem, rather than what you can’t do.
When you Give You Receive
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. Helping others can reduce your stress, combat depression, and keep you mentally stimulated and provided a sense of purpose. A few volunteer ideas include coaching a team, or volunteering at a hospital or animal shelter. There are endless possibilities when it comes to volunteering.
