Self-Care Sunday: Gratitude As A Form Of Self-Care

Gratitude has been shown to not only improve your physical health, but your psychological health as well. Grateful people enjoy higher well-being and happiness and suffer from reduced symptoms of depression, improved sleep and higher self-esteem. I’d say gratitude is a great act of self-care!

Here are some gratitude practice ideas to incorporate today, throughout the week, month, and even your life.

Gratitude Journal

Write down 3-5 things your grateful for every day (morning or before bed) or weekly.

Here are some gratitude journals I have and enjoy:

Gratitude Jar

All you need is: a jar (a box can also work); a ribbon, stickers, glitter, or whatever else you like to decorate the jar; paper and a pen or pencil for writing your gratitude notes; and gratitude.

Here are some gratitude jar options:

Gratitude Rock

The secret to this exercise is that the rock is just a symbol, a physical object you can use to remind yourself of what you have. Now just find a rock! One that you like because of how it looks, how it makes you feel or where you found it. You can also use crystal stones for this as well. In that case, I recommend Rose Quartz, which

Carry it in your pocket, leave it on your desk where you will see it throughout your day, or even wear it on a chain around your neck or your wrist.

Here is a stone option that is really reasonably priced!

Gratitude Box

The gratitude box is a thoughtful way to share your feelings with loved ones and cultivate your own sense of gratitude.

This is another easy activity that requires only a box, some paper, and a pen or pencil to write down gratitude messages. You can make the box yourself or buy one, the prettier the better!

On the paper, write down a heartfelt message of gratitude to your loved one. If you’re not sure how to start, here are some suggestions to begin your message:

1) “Thank you for…”

2) “What I love about you…”

3) “My holiday wish for you…”

You can also collect messages from others about your loved one, to pack the box with multiple messages of gratitude and love.

Place the message(s) into the box, wrap it up or put a bow on it, and give it to your loved one as a special gift, to both your loved one and yourself.

Whenever you see it or touch it, stop and think about at least one thing you are grateful for. When you take the stone out of your pocket or off of your body at the end of the day, take a moment to remember the things that you were grateful for throughout the day. When you put it on or in your pocket again in the morning, repeat this process to remember what you were grateful for yesterday.

Gratitude Prompts

To get you started, fill in the blanks:

• I’m grateful for these three friends:

• I’m grateful for these three teachers:

• I’m grateful for these three family members:

• I’m grateful for these three people who hired me: 

I am grateful for YOU and appreciate you reading this!

XO,

Loni