Authored by Jesse Haas
Keep the THANKS-giving in mind this year as you sit down to your holiday feast. Practicing gratitude - whether through meditation, a gratitude journal, or in some other way - lowers stress and depression and increases happiness, studies say. Here are a few ways to keep your focus on the gifts in life:
Keep the THANKS-giving in mind this year as you sit down to your holiday feast. Practicing gratitude - whether through meditation, a gratitude journal, or in some other way - lowers stress and depression and increases happiness, studies say. Here are a few ways to keep your focus on the gifts in life:
- Send a thank you card to someone who has either done something nice for you recently or to someone who is particularly special to you.
- Make a "feel good" jar at home where you and your family can write down the things that were positive about your day. Save them up to read once a week at the dinner table.
- Practice a gratitude meditation like this one from the Chopra Center.
- Eat with gratitude: Take a moment to thank the farmers, animals and elements that grew or raised the ingredients that will nourish you.
Do you have a gratitude practice in your life? Share it with us on Facebook!

Jesse Haas is a co-founder of Wellness Minneapolis and a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach. She is also pursuing a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Click here to learn more about Jesse.