Boost your mood: practice gratitude!

Are you in need of a mood boost?

Here we are in November, and as the COVID uncertainty continues I think it’s important to concentrate on what we can do to find some positive moments in the midst of the madness.

Being grateful is a free mindfulness practice to help us cope with anxiety and uncertainty by focusing on what we value, what is in our control, and what we can give back.

Giving thanks is one of the oldest concepts in society and gratitude is also one of the most powerful tools to staying positive.

A grateful perspective is essential to sustain our positive attitude—to energise, to heal, and to bring hope. I think this is something we all need at the moment! Positive emotions promote happiness and flourishing, creating an upward spiral.

Want to give it a go?

It’s a simple thing to do but having gratitude doesn’t just happen. It’s a practice we have to foster every day. It’s all about those small steps!

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Keep it simple: start a gratitude journal and jot down a few things that made you smile during the day
• Try a gratitude jar: write a little note each time you are grateful for something, and watch your jar fill up!
• Let the people you care about know how much you appreciate them
• ‘Eye smile’ at people that help you out – health workers, the cashier at the supermarket or the postman
• Be gentle with yourself and do a little something each day just for you
• Cook a meal you love and, if you’re cooking for others,  think of the people you are feeding
• Practice gratitude at the same time each day to make it into a habit.

Remember that often it’s the simple things that make life wonderful: the beautiful sun rise and the colour of the leaves in Autumn, the [eye]smile from a stranger, or the encouraging text from a friend.