National Gratitude Month is in November, and it is time to show some gratitude! Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as gratitude can give new meaning to life? Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but also healthier. So, if you were looking for reasons to be thankful, then these benefits should be just the motivation you need.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH
Gratitude is the simplest way to change one’s perspective of the world. It allows us to appreciate the positive, rather than focus on the negative aspects of our lives. Learning to be grateful helps us appreciate the little things in life that we tend to take for granted, which brings about a deep feeling of satisfaction that fulfills and nourishes us.
National Gratitude Month was an initiative started by Stacey Grewal, who believes gratitude to be an essential ingredient of a happy and fulfilling life. When one embraces gratitude, they immediately shift their focus from the negative to the positive things in their lives.
Being grateful does not mean that one would deny the fact that negative things happen in life; it means finding and focusing more on the good. It means finding something to be grateful for amid the preponderance of bitterness and hardship.
Gratitude has been proven to generate a positive impact on psychological, physical, and personal wellbeing. Practicing gratitude or reflecting on what you’re grateful for is an effective way to deal with life’s chaotic, stressful, and tense moments. Grateful people tend to sleep better, have lower stress levels, exercise more often, and eat healthier.
Coincidentally, Thanksgiving falls in gratitude month. On Thanksgiving Day, we celebrate gratitude. So if you are the kind of person who needs a special occasion to be thankful, then Gratitude Month is the encouragement you’ve been looking for.
NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH FACTS
Women are more grateful than men
A national survey on gratitude found that women tend to be more grateful than men.
Gratitude for better teamwork
Gratitude makes you a better team player and could even help prevent athlete burnout.
Gratefulness improves grades
Grateful teens are more likely to get A’s in school.
Materialistic people lack gratitude
Research shows materialistic people are low in well-being, as they are less grateful.
No gratitude at the workplace
According to research people are less likely to express gratitude at work than anywhere else.
NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH ACTIVITIES
Start a gratitude journal
It’s not something you have to buy from the internet; just a simple notebook would do. Write three things you are grateful for every day; it could be something as simple as a good meal or a beautiful sunset. When you look back at all the things you’ve mentioned in the journal, you will be able to reflect on all the great things you’ve been missing out on all this time.
Spread gratitude
Tell them how much you appreciate their services, care, friendship, etc. Show your family how grateful you are to have them in your life, let them know how they make your life better just by being a part of it.
Give back to the community
Helping in the community is a good way to appreciate everything in life. So do your part and become something that others can be grateful for.
Write at least one thank you note per week
Write to anyone you can think of that would accept a gift of appreciation. It could be a family member, friend, neighbor, or any other person involved in your life.
Create kindness rocks
Create rocks with kind sayings on them and place them around your community.
Volunteer
Help your community by volunteering somewhere and assisting the less fortunate.
Clean-up
Start picking up the litter and other trash you see in your community.
Donate a book to the local blessing boxes or “free library”
Make a child's day and donate a book!
Donate food to a food pantry
Not everyone can afford Thanksgiving meals. Donate to a local food pantry to help those families.
Buy or make lunch for a friend or neighbor
Keeping any food allergies in mind, make a meal for someone you know.
Donate your clothing or household items
Donate your gently used items to a local charity.
Create a “Honey it’s what you do” list
Most have heard of a “Honey do” list where you list chores and tasks you want your significant other to help you with. Instead, this list is all the things that makes him/ her special to you.
Social shout out
Share your gratitude for someone or something on social media where everyone can see.
Send a small meaningful gift
Give a small token to someone to show your appreciation.
Reach out and touch someone- via the phone
Instead of texting, call someone on the phone and have a conversation with him/ her.
Say thank you
Saying thank you to everyone, no matter how small, can make a huge difference.
Provide a recommendation/ referral
Provide positive feedback about your experience on LinkedIn or another site.
Call out great service to a manager
Make sure to let the manager know if you had a positive experience with one of their employees.
Write a thank you note to a service member
Operation Gratitude is one organization that can help you send thanks to the troops.
Help a family member or friend
Help someone that is in need.
Say you’re sorry
If you are in the wrong/ hurt someone, make sure to apologize.
Make a gift
Identify something that would be meaningful to the recipient and make it for them.
Visit
If allowable with the pandemic, visit those who you haven’t seen in a while.
Do the dishes or make dinner without being asked
This small act can go a long way!
Lighten the load
Offer to help a colleague with their work if applicable.
Resources
NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH -November 2021 - National Today
November is National Gratitude Month | The Appreciation Factor (wordpress.com)
