I think Thanksgiving is the best holiday. It is a low stakes gathering of your family, or for us this year phamily (Josh thinks I can't spell, but that's for the close friends who are like family from this PhD training program - hence phamily). The whole idea is to take time away from routines, share each other's company and literally give thanks. Oh and of course eat delicious food - either traditional or less traditional - and probably watch football or play games.
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| Gobble Wobble 5k to kick of Thanksgiving morning |
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| Who needs turkey when you have drunken chicken? |
The cool thing about giving thanks is that science supports the power of gratitude. Studies have linked gratitude with improved sleep, increased energy levels, and increased self-esteem. A trial also found that those who kept a gratitude journal for 10 weeks were 25% happier than the group who did not keep a journal. Who wouldn't want to experience these changes? Be sure to click the link to learn more.
Instead of waiting for that one day a year, find some space for gratitude all year long. For some, that might be daily dose of gratitude. A few years ago I stumbled across a blog about the idea of daily gratitude. The blogger chose to take a photo each day of something she was grateful for - 365grateful. The result was a beautiful display of all the wonderful - big and small - things in this world. I attempted to do this with instagram but found some days it was tough to take a picture of what I wanted to describe (#failedresolution). You could keep a good old-fashioned, pen and paper journal or list. If you're more of a techy person, you might want to try out an app. Over this past year I've also added meditation to my regular practice. This provides another opportunity to reflect on all that you are grateful for.
For others, finding gratitude a couple times a week may be sufficient. Thank you notes are a great way to express gratitude. You can send them for a purpose (think a gift), but you could also send one just because. Who doesn't love to hear someone is thinking about them. You could also try any of the suggestions above, or you could try a happiness jar.
This was a new addition to our home this past year. It was fun to capture big and small moments. It was even more fun to re-read all the year's highlights on new year's eve. Essentially we got a third dose of gratitude (first was the actual experience, second was writing it down) and smiles of being reminded of small pleasures that would have otherwise been forgotten. Can we say 70-degree day in January?
I wish you a vibrant and healthy 2016 filled with lots of love and gratitude. Until next time :)
