During this last quarter of the year time seems to speed up and the world seems to get busier. It’s a good time for self-care, mindfulness, and gratitude practices.

Focusing on gratitude can uplift your mindset and foster feelings of connection. Studies link gratitude to enhanced physical health and sense of well-being. Research shows that it improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. Practicing gratitude is a way to calm the nervous system and can help us find balance during challenging times. Read about the research!

I know a gratitude practice isn’t a fit for everyone - as always you have to know yourself, your tools, and how and when to apply which tool! If it stresses you out or takes you in an unhealthy direction - skip it!!! There are so many good practices and ways of being, why waste time on something that doesn’t work for you. Keep exploring, learning, and growing - find the practices that make you feel more present and more like your authentic self.

BUT if you would like to try a gratitude practice here are some steps you can take:

A gratitude practice is a way to be more appreciative of the good things in your life. It can include a lot of different techniques. Pick one or two and incorporate them into your day to day. It takes repetition over time to make any kind of lasting change - so stick to it with an eye toward how it impacts you over time.

Journaling: Writing down things you're grateful for, such as people, places, objects, memories, or events

Expressing gratitude: Telling someone you're grateful for them, or writing them a letter

Doing a kindness: Doing a favor for someone you're grateful for, or volunteering

Noticing positive moments: Paying attention to positive things that happen during the day, or savoring your experiences

Practicing gratitude first thing in the morning or before bed: Starting your day or ending your day by thinking about what you're thankful for

Focusing on your breath: Taking a few moments to focus on your breathing and being grateful for the ability to breathe