Gratitude During the Holidays

The holiday season is so focused on giving to others that we sometimes forget to give to ourselves — in both the literal and emotional sense. Between attending holiday parties, choosing the perfect gifts for family, friends and loved ones, cooking, and hosting, it’s easy to form the habit of not practicing self-gratitude during the cheerful season. During this time, it’s important to celebrate yourself by taking advantage of a self-care day, engaging in physical activity, buying yourself a gift, or simply taking the time to do something you love to do.  
 
Here are a few ways that you can incorporate self-gratitude into your holiday routine:  

• Keep a Gratitude Journal. Writing down your aspirations, goals, and successes will help keep a level of self-worth and build confidence. It’s important to practice this way of self-gratitude during the holidays so that you’re able to reflect on the positives of the season.  

• Reward Yourself. We tend to work harder during the holidays to purchase gifts and host parties, but typically it’s for others. Buy yourself that new outfit, bag, or home item you’ve been eyeing – it’s well deserved.  

• Try Something New. Sometimes the best way to practice self-gratitude is to try something new. We tend to get stuck in a rut and one of the ways to help lift yourself out is by trying a new skill or hobby, creating a new wave of appreciation for yourself, your talents and others. 

• Practice Mindfulness. When stress and anxiety take over, participate in deep breathing exercises or guided meditations. Doing this over time builds positive reinforcement and will help keep your anxiety levels low. 

• Take a Day Off. It’s important to take a day away from the office to help keep you from burning out. Taking a day off allows you to recharge, reflect, and look ahead to what fun the holidays will bring.   

In addition to the practices above, the Center for Health & Wellbeing is hosting free Community Education programs in November and December dedicated to practicing self-gratitude. A few of these programs include:  

• Navigating Family Dynamics When We’re All Grown People
• Gentle Gratitude Yoga
• Crystal Bowl Sound Meditation
• and Music for a Joyful Life

These are just a selection of our learning opportunities that empower self-gratitude. Self-gratitude looks different for each person, so it’s important to look at our full calendar of programs to find the best fit for you. Register for a Community Education program that promotes self-gratitude here.