Tips on Practicing Gratitude!

As we get closer to the holidays and get into the holiday spirit, we also face some seasonal sadness. A Harvard Medical School study has pointed out that expressing gratitude during the Thanksgiving season can help lift spirits and help deal with seasonal depression.

Law students and lawyers definitely have a lot going on in the months leading up to the end of the year. For many of us, the easiest approach to being overwhelmed with finals or clients is to bury ourselves in our work and wait for the end of December. However, studies have shown that with gratitude, people are able to acknowledge the positive aspects of their lives, connect better with loved ones, and feel happier in general. Here are some tips for showing your gratitude:

1. Reach out to a loved one and let them know why they’re special to you:

It’s important to acknowledge the people that support you and have helped you become the person you are today. We sometimes forget to appreciate the people that we see and talk to every day, and sometimes we even take them for granted.

A simple text or call to tell someone how much they mean to you and how special they are to you can go a long way. You’ll likely make their day, but you will also benefit from expressing positive emotions.

2. Don’t complain for a day:

I had my doubts about this one until I tried to not complain for a full 24 hours. I quickly realized how often I actually complain and how often I exude negative thoughts throughout my day.

It’s the easiest thing in the world to complain about how much Crim Pro reading you have, or how you barely have time to hit the gym after class. But when you steer your thoughts in a positive direction and recognize how fortunate you are, it completely changes your outlook on your responsibilities. After trying this for 24 hours, I was able to tackle my tasks faster and with gratitude.

As a challenge, I encourage all of you to try this along with us and post about your experience on your social media. Use #PracticeProPositivity so that we can see your experience as well!

3. Show yourself gratitude by making a list of ways you’ve impressed yourself lately:

We are our own worst critic-cliché but true. Focus on building yourself up and not only being grateful for opportunities in your life, but being grateful for yourself.

Every one of us is unique and strong in our own way. Try to take time out of your day to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments. This kind of gratitude will empower you to keep moving forward and to keep succeeding.

4. Give back to your community:

As law students and attorneys, we’re constantly focusing on our work. However, volunteering is a great way to get out of your own head, step away from your work for a bit and help those in your community. Showing gratitude in your community can come in a variety of forms-from helping with some pro bono work to volunteering at your local library.

After all, your home is often your space to relax and unwind, so showing gratitude to your neighborhood or community is a great way to show your appreciation. This can also help you get to know people in your area and feel more involved.