5 Ways to Practice Gratitude This Holiday Season

Economic downturn. Layoffs. Aftershock of a global pandemic.
One could argue that mankind is in the midst of a pretty relentless flop era.

We can choose to allow the fear and frustration and negativity surrounding this fact to consume us, or we can choose, instead, to follow a different path...

...A path of gratitude.

So, if you’re looking to take your first step down this road-less-traveled-by and embrace the power of being grateful, we’ve got a few tips to help. Check ‘em out:

1. Sharpen your eye.

A lot of the time, we think good things aren’t happening to us simply because we’re not noticing them. This could be because our vision is clouded by a fixation on the negative...or simply because our lives are moving so quickly that we’re not leaving enough time to stop and smell the roses.

The more we’re able to slow down and really take in what’s going on around us, the more we’re able to tune our eyes to catch the good stuff before it passes us by.

2. Reframe your thoughts.

Not to be all “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”... but, also yeah. You should probably do that. Reframing a situation in a way that allows you to see the positives is a very powerful skill...one that will only grow stronger as you practice it and build upon it over time.

For example, let’s say you didn’t get a job you really wanted. It’s disappointing in the moment, sure. But instead of seeing it as the universe or God or whatever it is you believe in saying “no” to your dreams, see it as it/them saying a big, fat “YES!” to something else.

Essentially, it’s a redirection. One that will ultimately lead you to where you were meant to be in the first place.

3. Keep a gratitude journal.

Gratitude is powerful. Writing things down is powerful. Why not combine the two and DOUBLE the positive outcome?

We encourage you to take five minutes or less everyday to jot down three things you’re grateful for. And don’t get too caught up in making it BIG or fancy or poetic. Just write down the first few things that come to mind. Whether it’s the breakfast burrito you had this morning or the window

above your kitchen sink or your friend’s shared Spotify playlist, it’s worthy of having a spot on your list. Gratitude does not discriminate.

4. Spend time in slow movement.

The “hustle”-obsessed attitude of today’s world may feel like a flex sometimes, but it can actually be getting in the way of your ability to appreciate the positive things and people around you. Taking a break from the grind and spending time practicing slow movement – such as walks around the block, stretching, or taking a yoga class– encourages more mindfulness and, through that, expands your capacity to appreciate the positivity around you.

5. Be intentional with your social time.

You know what they say: You become like the five people you spend the most time with. That being said, if you find yourself in crowds of people that are frequently complaining, comparing themselves to others, and radiating negative energy, it’s only a matter of time before those same behaviors will rub off on you. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with optimistic and appreciative people, you’ll quickly feel your mood shifting in a positive direction. Never underestimate the power of your people.

>>> Have any more tips for embracing gratitude this holiday season? Share ‘em with us at concierge@publishbrand.com