When times become uncertain and difficulties begin to arise, it can be very easy to think about only the negatives. We often see things simply as black or white, a glass half full or a glass half empty. However many things in life aren’t simply one or the other. It can become easy to fixate on the negatives and on the things that we don’t have. When we do this we often forget about the things we do have and what we have to be grateful for.
Gratitude isn’t meant to negate the negatives or to forget about them completely. But, it is meant to shift our perspective into remembering some of the things we still have and the things that we do have to be grateful for. When we shift our perspective we allow ourselves to focus more on the positives rather than the negatives.
Gratitude can help you focus on the present moment and practice mindfulness as a grounding technique. When you are focused on the present moment of what you are grateful for it could be as simple as being grateful to see the sunrise, to take a walk before starting the day, or to have a bed to sleep in each night and food each day.
Below are 3 simple practices that can be done to start practicing gratitude and shift your way of thinking!
Gratitude Jar:
This can be practiced by writing down notes of gratitude whenever something good happens or something positive that you remember happened. By filling up this jar you have a list of notes to remind you of the positive things happening in your life and the things you have to be grateful for. This could be extremely beneficial on difficult days to open up this jar and read some of your own notes as reminders of things to be grateful for.
Gratitude Letter:
This can be practiced by writing a letter to a loved one, a friend, or anyone who has left a positive impact on your life that you are grateful for. This doesn’t have to be a letter you share with them, but it can be an opportunity to reflect on people in your life and write down the positive things they have brought into your life. As well, you may even want to practice writing a gratitude letter to yourself, reminding yourself of all of the ways you have taken care of yourself and all that you have done for you.
Gratitude Walk:
This technique can be practiced daily and can be very beneficial in grounding yourself and connecting with nature. This practice can be done by taking in everything that you see, feel, and hear while taking a walk outside. Feeling grateful for the sunlight that warms your body, the sounds of birds chirping, the beauty of the trees, clouds, and anything else that you notice. This can help foster a greater connection with the world around you and create a deeper appreciation for the things around you that often go unnoticed.
Practicing Gratitude is a great start or addition to fostering your mental health and well-being. If you are ready and would like to talk more with a professional, feel free to Schedule a session today and work towards your goals and needs for your mental health.
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