Gratitude Lists can bring noticeable changes to your days and emotional well-being in the longer run. Especially, in times like this, when we are lacking the will to look forward to the day with zest.
As the name suggests, the gratitude list consists of the things that you are grateful for in your life. It could be a person, a special moment of your day, or the littlest things that can bring a smile on your face.
It is one of the most effective habits that is helping me to get through the day with enthusiasm. When the lockdown first began, it was tough for me to gather my thought and adjust to this new routine, but this simple practice helps to put things in perspective.
How to create a gratitude list?
You can begin by writing 3-10 things that you are grateful for each day. Do not simply write, pause, and feel the emotion of being thankful, while writing down. It accomplishes more when you classify the list into three different sections.
- People that you are grateful for: it could be your family, friend, or any stranger who helped you along the way.
- Circumstances that you are grateful for: the place that you are living at, the services you can leverage, etc.
- One the little thing that brings a smile to your face, it could be your favorite pillow, your beloved chair, or your favorite mug.
When is the right time to create it?
Gratitude lists could be a part of your daily habit. The best time to fill it in would be right after waking up or before going to bed. I prefer to write it after waking up, it helps to build the momentum for the whole day.
How does it help?
Most of us carry an unseen amount of pressure and criticism for ourselves during our day. We tend to ignore the things we are blessed with and focus on what we lack. We go to bed and wake up with a task to work on our shortcomings and mistakes.
How many times are we unable to sleep at night because of being haunted by a random memory of a silly thing we did in school?
When you will start filling in the gratitude list every day. You will notice more things to be thankful for because you will be looking ahead to make an entry on your list.