Gratitude is a mindfulness practice that can truly better one’s life. A habit as small as daily gratefulness affirmations can lead to increased happiness and overall well-being. The fall can bring on tough times for people, from seasonal depression, or preparing for stressful holidays. It’s important to stay on top of these mindfulness practices to keep ourselves in a positive mindset. Here are some suggestions for gratitude practices.

• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to write down things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a beautiful sunset, a supportive friend, or a good meal. Regularly recording your blessings can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.
• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. When you practice mindfulness, you become more aware of the things you have to be grateful for in your daily life.
• Count Your Blessings: Take time to mentally list or reflect on the things you’re grateful for. This can be done at any moment, whether you’re stuck in traffic, waiting in line, or before going to bed. Mentally acknowledging your blessings can improve your overall outlook on life.
• Express Gratitude: Don’t keep your gratitude to yourself. Tell the people you care about that you appreciate them. Expressing gratitude to others can strengthen your relationships and make them feel valued.
• Volunteer or Help Others: Engaging in acts of kindness and giving back to your community can remind you of the things you have to be grateful for and provide a sense of fulfillment.
• Set Gratitude Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or place visual cues around your environment to prompt you to practice gratitude regularly. This can help establish a habit of gratitude.
• Guided Meditation: There are many apps you can download on your phone like Headspace and Calm that can lead you through gratuity meditations. You can also find many free gratuity meditations on Youtube.

Remember that being grateful is a mindset that you can develop over time. The more you practice gratitude, the more it becomes a natural part of your daily life, leading to a more positive and fulfilling outlook.