Gratitude is a state of thankfulness and appreciation for the positive things in life that are valuable and meaningful to you. This can range from appreciating a beautiful sunset to feeling grateful about recovering from an illness. Research shows that gratitude may improve your emotional well-being by helping you cope with stress.
When you make gratitude a regular habit, it can help you learn to recognize good things in your life even when bad things happen. Here are five habits to help you integrate gratitude into your daily life.
- Reflect. Take a moment to think about the positive things that happened during the day.
- Journal. Write down a favorite moment from your day, a special person in your life, or five things you’re grateful for each day.
- Relive the good times. Think about positive moments and good memories and consider sharing them with others.
- Write to someone. Write a letter to someone you feel thankful for. Even if you don’t send it, it is good to document these positive feelings about people you care about.
- Volunteer. Help others and reflect on your own circumstances to develop a sense of compassion for others.
For more ideas on practicing gratitude, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s How Right Now: Gratitude webpage.
Your Employee Assistance Program is Here to Help
If you are feeling stressed and find it difficult to practice gratitude, your Component Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. Your EAP provides no-cost counseling to help you manage your stress and can help you and your eligible family members set goals as you start your gratitude practice. For help or more information, contact your Component EAP or send an email to worklife@hq.dhs.gov.