Maintaining a grateful heart is vital to a healthy lifestyle.
Here are a few tips that help me stay grateful (not just in November) đ
1). Get Outside
Go for a walk during your lunch break. Play with your children at the park (try to put the phone down and be silly with them). Do yoga in your backyard. Take off your shoes and really feel the grass underneath your bare feet.
Whatever motivates you to explore the naturally beautiful world around – DO IT. Being outside away from my “things” really gives me perspective.
2). Re-Evaluate Your Online and Offline Connections
If you’re honest with yourself, would you say all of your relationships build you up? Does your social media feed inspire/encourage you or suck the life from you?
This is such a tricky tip, because I don’t want you to end a friendship tomorrow claiming that person isn’t “good enough”….. Just be cognizant of the person you become after time spent online or offline with them. You’ll know when it’s time to slowly walk away from damaging relationships.
“Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
3). Journal
This is a tangible way to “count your blessings”…
In order to have a grateful heart, you must have a grateful mind. Journal 3 or 4 times a week for about 10-20 minutes each time, and soon it will become a habit. I love to reflect on my blessings, positive thoughts, victories, friendships, etc. It makes me smile and it really helps me see how many wonderful things are happening (even in the smallest detail).
Blessings get remembered once they’ve been written down. Until then, you’re just thinking…
4). Pray
This can be done anytime, anywhere. Don’t underestimate how holy and sacred God is. When we give Him our anxieties and negative thoughts, He cares and He heals.
When I spend time in God’s presence, I always end up with a grateful and refreshed outlook.
5). Pay it forward
Pay for a stranger’s meal. If you like animals, volunteer to help at a shelter. Doing something for someone else almost always helps me maintain an ongoing sense of gratefulness.
Let me know what you’re thankful for by commenting below!