By now, we’ve all heard that having an attitude of gratitude packs a big punch for our mental health. Practicing gratitude makes us happier, allows us to sleep better, improves our outlook on life, and makes us more optimistic. That all sounds great, but the question is how to get there.

As 2020 winds to a close, most of us are feeling like we just came out of a blender: a little stressed, pretty disoriented, and probably struggling with a host of difficulties created by the pandemic, distance learning, or remote work. If you’re finding it hard to find the good right now, you are NOT alone.

Fortunately, there are ways to cultivate a little more thankfulness in your life as the holiday season draws near. Here are a few of our favorite hacks:

• Keep a gratitude journal. It sounds hokey, but it can make a big difference in your daily mindset. Each morning (or evening, if you prefer), take a second to write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for. They could be small things (that warm cup of coffee in your hands) or big things, like your family’s health.
  
• Tune into the present. It’s impossible to be thankful for what we have right now when we’re always tied up in the past or future versions of our lives. When you catch yourself obsessing over what has been or what might be tomorrow, bring your mind back to the present. You have a roof over your head, a body that moves, and a mind that works. Those are all great places to start your gratitude practice.
  
• Create peaceful moments. Sometimes, all you need to cultivate gratitude is a quiet moment. We recommend looking for ways to make everyday moments a little extra special. Last month, we wrote a blog on how to cut sugar and still be social. Snag some tips from that post to create some blissful moments in your hectic schedule.

The holidays can be stressful - especially after this crazy year. When you follow these easy tips, though, you can make space for gratitude and peace, and go into 2021 feeling stronger than ever.