By Grace W 

Thanksgiving is typically a time of the year when we all take a few moments to reflect on what we are grateful for. It is always a good idea to take a few moments to practice gratitude, whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not. In stressful times, being able to identify things you are grateful for can be really helpful.

Here are 10 ways you can practice gratitude.

  1. Keep a gratitude journal. Take a few minutes every day to write down 10 things you are grateful for.
  2. Express your thanks to people in your community, especially essential workers. Next time you are at the grocery store or you see your mail carrier, make sure to thank them for all they do.
  3. Try to pick one day a week where you don’t complain about anything. You can challenge your family and friends to try this too.
  4. Send someone a card in the mail. Surprise your family, friends, or acquaintances with a note in the mail. It will be sure to brighten their day.
  5. Spend some time in nature. A short walk can really uplift your mood and remind you of all of the wonders around you.
  6. Make a gratitude jar. Take a jar, box, or any container you have lying around the house and decorate it. Then, whenever you feel like it write down what you are grateful for on slips of paper and put them in the jar. Whenever you are feeling down, pull out a few slips to remind yourself of all of the wonderful things you have in your life.
  7. Make a gratitude collage or Pinterest board. Find images that make you happy and compile them all together.
  8. If you find yourself doing some decluttering, re-home your items with friends or family or donate them.
  9. Volunteering is a great way to practice gratitude. You can help out your neighbors by raking leaves and shoveling snow. You can also reach out to elderly neighbors and help pick up groceries for them.
  10. Take a few deep breaths. Be grateful for your breath and the present moment.