The holiday season is now upon us. While this time of year is known for spreading holiday cheer, it can be easy to get caught up in the holiday rush and stress. The pressure of creating the perfect holiday memories and experiences can cause us to miss out on the true joy of the season.
One way you can take in every moment without letting the pressure of social obligations overwhelm you, is by practicing gratitude. When practicing gratitude, you are showing appreciation for things in your life that you find valuable and meaningful. Keeping a gratitude journal, practicing mindfulness, and writing letters of appreciation to people in your life are some of the ways to help build the habit. This allows you to pause, slow down, and find something each day to be grateful for no matter how big or small.
As you continue to incorporate moments of gratitude each day, you will begin to notice some of the many benefits.
- Positive mood
- Better sleep
- Improvement of physical health
- Increased happiness
- More satisfaction in life
- Better resiliency
- Greater patience
- Improvement of relationships
- Less likely to experience burnout
So, in the next few weeks as schedules begin to overflow with holiday gatherings, take time throughout the day to remember all the things you are grateful for and experience the true joy of life.
If you or someone you know is struggling this holiday season with mental wellness, please reach out to us at Embracing Life Wellness Center. We are here to treat our patients with respect and the best standard of care.