BEACHLY TIPS: PRACTICING GRATITUDE TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

It's Thanksgiving week! Now is a great time to slow down and appreciate all the things we are thankful for in our lives. Despite the challenges and circumstances 2020 has thrown our way, I'm sure we can all find a little something to be thankful for.

One of my favorite ways to practice gratitude is with a Gratitude Journal. There are a plethora of gratitude journals on the market these days but you can also use a simple notebook as well. If tech is more your thing there are a variety of apps you can use such as Grateful or Gratitude Happiness Journal.

Fun Fact - Numerous studies have shown that a practice of gratitude will make you happier, improve your physical health and enhance your personal relationships. Those are three things we could all stand to benefit from!

Before you dive right into journalling what you’re grateful for, here are a few tips to make sure you get as much out of your gratitude journaling practice as possible.

Tip 1: Don’t just go through the motions.

Life can always seem to be, well... BUSY. Practicing gratitude is a great way to slow down and take a moment to focus on the little things. If you really want to reap the benefits of practicing gratitude, it's important to be present and not just go through the motions. Make time to schedule journaling without distractions or a feeling of negative obligation. That way your journaling practice will be the most beneficial for your mental and emotional health!

Tip 2: Imagine life ‘without’.

Recognizing all the little and big things in your life is a great way to boost your mood and focus on the positives. However, the reverse psychology of briefly imagining life without these things can help to put things into perspective, too!

Tip 3: Savor surprises.

Ever feel like you can't enjoy a moment? When you savor little surprises throughout the day, it helps to recognize the lucky blessings that come your way. Some examples of this might be light traffic on your morning commute, a friend calling to say hello, or someone sharing a smile as you pass by.

Tip 4: Pace Yourself.

They say it takes 2-3 months to form a new habit. So the key to bringing a gratitude practice into your daily routine is to start slow and pace yourself. Maybe that means you start writing in a journal 1-2 times a week and slowly work your way up to making it a part of your every day. 

Interested in learning more about practicing gratitude, the science and benefits behind it, and more? Click here!