Practicing gratitude is a positive coping strategy to get your day off to a positive start and handle whatever situation comes your way. Give thanks to at least 5 things daily that you are grateful for in your life. This can be anything big or small that you notice is positive. Ideas giving thanks can be for:
- being in good health
- having a good secure job
- being engaged in meaningful work
- having a great boss
- having great colleagues to work with
- celebrating a friend’s birthday
- enjoying good weather
- having a friend’s support you when you needed it
Make your list when you have quiet time to reflect and write down whatever positive things come to your mind that you are grateful for. The initial list can keep growing to help you remember five things each day. Practice your mental gratitude activity daily by taking a few minutes to notice what you are thankful for. Using this brief coping strategy each morning increases positive mental focus and with consistent use, will become a natural habit after a few weeks. In other words, you will do it subconsciously without thinking. When you encounter negative emotions during the day, remember to use your gratitude list to help put the situation in perspective and move your emotions.