Healthy Holiday Habits
Gratitude and Positive Psychology
During the month of November we tend to name things we’re thankful for (hence Thanksgiving), and even into the Christmas and Holiday season we may continue being grateful. But then January rolls around with its cold weather, rain, and lack of sunshine, and it can be hard to keep up the positivity. That’s when we have to find the things we’re grateful for to help boost our mood. There has been much research done recently about the physical and mental health benefits of positive psychology. The University of Pennsylvania defines positive psychology as “the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive.” So in short, focusing on the positive things that help us be successful.
I was once told and continue to tell people, “It’s okay to have a pity party, just don’t unpack and stay there.” If you’re having a bad day, it’s okay to feel sad or upset, but then pick yourself up, count your blessings, and move on. Being grateful and positive thinking does not mean you have to be happy all the time. Psychology Today lays out 7 ways that being grateful can help us in our daily lives:
Overall, find something to be grateful for every day. Try to name something different each day instead of naming the same 3 things. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised that there is always a silver lining to every situation.
https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/gratitude-exercises/positive-psychology/none
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Healthy Holiday Habits
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Holidays are a stressful time because of all the family gatherings, work parties, spending money on gifts, baking 3 dozen cookies.
Lauren Blackburn, LCSW