By: Kellie Lemly
This year has been a whirlwind of emotions to say the least. The pandemic has challenged each and everyone of us! And yet here we are putting one foot in front of the other coming into the holiday season!
I found myself looking forward to Thanksgiving with family and friends, once again Dealing With Disappointment with the restrictions due to the coronavirus. I had to stop myself and focus on the “here and now” realizing I have many things to be grateful for.
Gratitude is the expression of appreciation and being thankful for what it is. Research has shown expressing gratitude can improve mood, alleviate stress and depression. Over time practicing gratitude can offer benefits such as, optimism, positivity, and mindfulness.
It is difficult trying to find that glimmer of gratitude when you have been struggling to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Here are a few tips on ways to practice being grateful.
- Mindfulness: Be mindful, focus on the specific moment you are in.
- Guided imagery: Use positive mental images to influence how you feel.
- Journaling: Write down the joys of daily life.
- Think about the people who have inspired you.
- Focus on the good, the things people have done for you.
- Meditate
- Pray
- Think about something that has happened to you that was positive and how it would be different if that event didn’t happen.
- Say “thank you”
This year we have all struggled with disappointment, loss, and adaptation. We have all given up precious and valuable moments. However, despite everything this year has thrown at us, I have realized that there are so many little things I am grateful for!
Brown, J., & Wong, J. (n.d.). How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain. Greater Good Magazine: Science-Based Insights for a Meaningful Life. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain
Miller, K. (2020). 14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude According to Science. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/
Powers-Barker, P., (2016). Introduction to Mindfulness. Ohioline: Ohio State University Extension. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5243
Written by: Kellie Lemly, MS, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Champaign County, lemly.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Roseanne Scammahorn, Ph.D., Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Darke County, scammahorn.5@osu.edu
Live Healthy Live Well 
Nice and short and to the point! Right (write) On!